May has been an excellent month for new rail links, with direct trains between Bristol, Bath and Oxford restored after 23 years. Passengers will enjoy smoother and faster journeys, except on Sundays when services are limited because train drivers are not required to work. GWR managing director Mark Hopwood highlighted the economic and social benefits, expressing confidence that these services demonstrate the value of rail in driving economic growth.
However, the restored link is undermined by the use of diesel trains for almost half the journey due to the scrapping of electrification plans a decade ago. The project to electrify the line to Oxford, Bath and Bristol was abandoned after going wildly over time and budget. Passengers will notice the journey transitions from diesel to electric and back to diesel.
Meanwhile, the East West Rail project between Oxford, Bletchley and Milton Keynes Central is complete but not yet operational. Services have been delayed due to disagreements between the government, train operator Chiltern, and unions over driver-only operation. A Chiltern spokesperson stated that work is still needed to prepare trains, Winslow station, and operating arrangements, with efforts ongoing to progress these as soon as possible.
The current situation has led to security costs at the unused Winslow station, frustrating local residents. A national conversation about driver-only operation is needed to balance safety and economy, as the current arrangements add cost and complexity with little benefit.
On a positive note, on bank holiday Monday, 25 May, Lumo launches a new Anglo-Scottish express between London and Stirling, offering competition to Avanti West Coast. The service calls at Milton Keynes Central, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston and Carlisle, with significant fare savings, such as £92 compared to Avanti's £198 for a peak one-way journey from London to Preston.
