Swindon to Gloucester line: More services?

[Charlie M.]

I know class 395 can split and join up easy in 2 minutes, don't know about class 800. But could a 2 x 5 set split and rejoin at Stonehouse, giving Gloucester and Chelenham a hourly service.

Never thought of that. But issue above applies, the platform is to short and even after extended, they could not run close together and would probably only save what.. 5 minutes.

 

[DanMoist]

Some info on new railway stations for Gloucestershire in here: http://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/documents/s26058/7. GEGJC.Rail.Study.report.9.9.15.pdf
"Hunt’s Grove– Preparation of a Transport Business Case which takes account of the proposed station and its relationship with existing stations. More sophisticated demand modelling would be used along with train service level options including a half-hourly Bristol-Gloucester frequency. The scheme options developed as part of the business case would enable the selection of the most effective approach to developing the stations serving this area, including car parking strategy, bus, walk and cycle access. The potential for new development, leading to new trips (rather than abstracted ones) is likely to be the key element in developing a successful commercial and economic case.

Charfield – A similar Transport Business Case could be prepared for Charfield. However, since this proposed station is in South Gloucestershire, any further work would need to be commissioned by this neighbouring local authority. A new station at Charfield and the revenue it may generate could support the overall business case for the extension of theforthcoming half-hourly Bristol-Yate service to Gloucester.

Stonehouse– Both possible new stations are not recommended to be taken forward in the short-term, but this should be reconsidered in the long-term if there was very high housing growth planned in the area. This would be in the context of a review of station locations in the area as a whole and the impact a new station would have on the existing Stonehouse station."

 

[VT 390]

I think that there should be 2tph from London to Stonehouse and then one continuing to Gloucester terminating there and the other running to Cheltenham and continuing through to Birmingham calling at Ashchurch & Worcestershire Parkway to give Didcot and Swindon a through service to Birmingham and to provide additional capacity between Cheltenham and Birmingham, this service could offer cheaper fares than on Cross Country to try to give more capacity on XC services for longer distant passengers.

 

[Class 170101]

I would argue that Didcot could be covered by either of the Reading to Birmingham services if so required.

As for going to Birmingham I would say no. Run an additional Class 170 service from Birmingham to Cardiff, instead of the Welsh service south of Cheltenham if needs be.