Rail passengers will be given a choice of which train operator to travel with between London and south-west Wales. The rail regulator will allow two companies to operate on the route from the end of 2024.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has given permission for a new company, Grand Union Trains (GUT) to begin operating on the line. ORR said the additional competition would lead to “lower fares, improved service quality and innovation”.
GUT is planning to run five daily return services between Carmarthen in south-west Wales and London Paddington. Trains will also call at Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction, Newport, Cardiff, Gowerton and Llanelli stations.
GUT will be in competition with existing operator Great Western Railway.
ORR director of strategy, policy and reform Stephanie Tobyn said: “This decision supports more choice for passengers, new direct journey opportunities, more price competition and new comfortable trains. The added competition should also make a significant contribution to innovation in terms of the routes served, ticketing practices and service quality improvements, by both Grand Union and through the response of existing operators.”
GUT’s application was disputed by infrastructure company Network Rail due to concerns about capacity on the network. But the regulator said that, after “careful consideration and analysis”, it has directed Network Rail to enter into a contract with the operator.
A fleet of new bi-mode trains, which can be powered by electricity or diesel, will be used. Passengers will benefit from “best experience in the market” with bigger seats, more legroom, increased luggage space and a buffet car on every service, according to GUT. The project is being developed in partnership with European investment company Serena Industrial Partners and Spanish train operator Renfe.
GUT will be an open-access operator, meaning it will not receive subsidies from public funds. The Government issues contracts for most train services on Britain’s railways. The four existing open-access operators are Grand Central, Heathrow Express, Hull Trains and Lumo.
