GWE Business West has said the electrification of the Great Western Mainline will only benefit the region if local rail infrastructure is improved as well.
On Tuesday, the Government announced plans yesterday to push ahead with electrification of the Great Western Mainline from London to Cardiff.
The decision was praised by the leader of Bristol City Council, who said the upgrade was “vital” for the economic success of Wales and the West.
James Durie, Director of the Initiative and Chamber — Bristol, GWE Business West, said the announcement would instil confidence across the business community throughout the West of England, Swindon and Gloucestershire which has been calling for these much needed improvements for some time.
But, he added: “”We are hopeful that this investment marks a significant change in the delivery of quality transport infrastructure to the sub-region which is long overdue.  Indeed, improvements to strategic rail routes are only truly beneficial, if improvements to local rail services are delivered in tandem with electrification. We are therefore hopeful that this announcement provides the impetus to deliver improvements to local rail services, so that real change can be seen on the ground.”
The provision of quality infrastructure, he said, provides the bedrock for business growth and is vital to ensure continued competitiveness and productivity. The Great Western Mainline is an essential economic lifeline for cities and towns West of London and good connectivity to the capital and onwards into Europe provides a significant draw for business.
However over recent years there has been a “steady decline” in strategic connections between cities and towns like Bristol, Bath, Swindon and London.
Meanwhile, Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways spokesman Rob Dixon told the Bristol Evening Post: “We certainly welcome this much-needed investment.
“We are hoping the improvements will include the number of tracks between Parkway and Temple Meads increasing from two to four, which would be great news for commuters.
“We also hope the Government will consider the electrification of the line all the way from Weston-super-Mare to Yatton, and the Severn Beach line, which would provide passengers with better, more reliable services.”