At the recent Bridgwater Town Council Transport Forum, members held an in‑depth discussion about the rail services in and out of Bridgwater Railway Station.
David Northey from the Severnside Community Rail Partnership presented data showing that Bridgwater has seen the largest growth in passenger numbers across the ten railway stations in Somerset and has the greatest unmet demand. Despite this, the number of trains stopping at Bridgwater remains insufficient to serve the needs of residents, commuters and visitors.
Forum members also highlighted the stark contrast between travel times. While passengers can board a train in Taunton -12 miles south of Bridgwater – and reach Bristol in just 33 minutes, the same journey from Bridgwater takes around 60 minutes, even though the town is geographically closer to Bristol.
Concerns were also raised about the ongoing issue of accessibility, with facilities for wheelchair users and disabled passengers described as unsatisfactory and in need of urgent improvement.
Following detailed discussion, the Chair of the Forum, Cllr Tim Mander, was tasked with writing to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to set out the town’s concerns and request action.
Cllr Mander said,
“For far too long the rail service at Bridgwater Railway Station has been neglected and with major developments such as Hinkley Point C and the Giga Factory at Gravity, the case for improved rail services is stronger than ever.
“I have written to Heidi Alexander and invited her or a Junior Minister to Bridgwater to visit the railway station and understand the need to improve linkages between the town and the two major infrastructure projects. With the very welcome nationalisation of the railways, the government should be in a position to influence train operators so more trains that currently speed through Bridgwater Station actually stop here.”
Bridgwater Town Council’s Transport Forum will continue to press for improvements to ensure Bridgwater receives the level of rail service its growing population and strategic importance require
