Moves to set up new city rail link
Shropshire could soon get a second direct train service to London after Arriva announced its proposals to restore a defunct 17-year-old route.
Shropshire could soon get a second direct train service to London after Arriva announced its proposals to restore a defunct 17-year-old route.
Arriva Trains Wales has launched a consultation on a proposed direct service between Aberystwyth and London Marylebone, with stops planned for both Shrewsbury and Telford.
It comes just months after the county had its direct route to London restored by the Wrexham Shropshire service which has cut journey times to the capital by 28 minutes. It also finishes at London Marylebone.
Arriva has not yet announced whether its service would be quicker or cheaper.
It is being planned in conjunction with a request by Ieuan Wyn Jones, the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport at the Welsh Assembly Government, to examine options for an hourly service on the Cambrian Main Line.
Arriva is proposing two daily direct services, restoring a link withdrawn by British Rail in 1991. Through services would also be provided between London and the Cambrian coastal route to Pwllheli on summer Saturdays.
Mike Bagshaw, commercial director for ATW, said: "Market research and our own knowledge of the local market has shown that there is a strong customer demand for a comfortable and reasonably priced direct service between Mid Wales and London, avoiding the need to change at Birmingham. The restoration of this through link will bring significant benefits to both the local economy and tourism."
The move is subject to approval by the Office of Rail Regulation.