GWR INTERIM MD MATTHEW GOLTON TELLS CONSULTANT EDITOR JAMES ABBOTT THAT THE REVIVAL OF THE RAILWAY UNDER SIR FELIX POLE HOLDS LESSONS FOR US TODAY
Coronavirus struck at a pivotal moment for Great Western Railway. The company introduced its Intercity Express Train timetable in December 2019 and was all set to reap the benefits of the changes when the pandemic hit in the spring. The final touches were to be made to the timetable in May 2020, when the ‘superfast’ trains – introduced at peak times only in December – between London, Bristol and South Wales were set to be extended throughout the day, running half-hourly to Bristol Temple Meads and calling only at Bristol Parkway.
But, with loadings down to a small fraction of what they were at this time last year, that change has been postponed for the time being.
Instead, GWR intends to capitalise on the pause in traffic growth by continuing to work with alliance partner Network Rail on getting infrastructure work completed on the Western. ‘It’s a misconception to think it’s all done’ says GWR Interim Managing Director Matthew Golton, citing Bristol East as an example. This £140 million project, renewing and rationalising tracks in the throat of Temple Mea…
