Bristol Live readers have added their voices to local councillors who have concerns over the infrequent train services at the newly opened Ashley Down station in Bristol. They believe that the trains from this station “should run more often” than once an hour. The station, which was opened to the public last month, has been criticised for its long waiting times between each service.
If passengers miss their hourly train, it’s quicker for them to walk to either Filton or Temple Meads than wait for the next one.
The services are operated by Great Western Railway and funded by the West of England Combined Authority. The call to increase the frequency of the services at Ashley Down was made during a member forum meeting at Bristol City Council.
Green Councillor Emma Edwards, who represents Bishopston and Ashley Down, expressed her concern, saying: “This is not currently going to serve the cricket ground very well. They need more frequent trains. We also need to be looking at modal shift so that we’re getting people to use the train as a matter of course, and I think for that we need more frequent services.”
Commenter Junius1 says: “It appears that this is a station which has served its purpose for politicians to show off, but in terms of extent and frequency of services is rather preposterous. Do mainline trains not go through the station? If so, why can’t a few stop, even on a discretionary basis? I guess it depends on the devil in the details of the contract signed off between the combined authority and provider, but Norris could always consider a franchising system and hope things go better than with the buses.”
TalbotHill thinks: “Having looked on the internet, unless you want anything other than Temple Meads or Filton, everything else involves a change of train and a longer journey time. So what’s next, re-open St. Anne’s Station and then expect GWR to interrupt the services to and from London just so a “local train to nowhere” can run more often?”
Brother Johnny is fed up: “First the locals say they have no trains . As soon as they get a station they’re moaning they don’t stop often enough! Look at the timetable and get there! What do you want? Trains on demand?”
Blackbeard83 agrees: “They also oppose an underground yet complain about buses. Madness!” StGeorgegas retorts: “Pointless if you need that train to go to and from work though.”
Ajsamuels asks: “As well as the low frequency of the service, why are there no late night trains stopping there? The last one in the evening seems to be 8.55pm according to the timetable.”
Amy Morse agrees: “As someone living near Bedminster train station, this is a real bugbear of mine. It’s commendable that new stations are being added to the Bristol line – I like using the train, I’d like to use it more often – but one train an hour is just rubbish. It’s so frustrating to have this great resource in Bristol but what’s the point of having it if there are hardly any trains!”
Simon Davis is happy: “I’m loving the new commuting option. Yes, it’s currently hourly, but if there is sufficient demand I’m sure that a more frequent service could be an option (rolling stock, staff and line capacity allowing). The key thing now is further expansion of the network.”
Geoff Kerr agrees: “GWR is short of rolling stock and we are seeing short-formed trains every day down here on the Exmouth line. Also are the paths available for more trains? I agree that hourly is not great but it’s a start. Electrification is also needed!
Alistar Flowers thinks: “WECA and those behind transport in Bristol really don’t get the ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy. Everyone is told to be sustainable. Barriers are created for car usage yet still public transport in Bristol is a myth.”
Would you like to see more trains running from this new station? Would more frequent services encourage you to ditch the car? Have your say in our comments section.