Bristol's first train station in 96 years opens this week
Portway Park and Ride officially opens tomorrow (Aug 1)
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
For the first time in Bristol for almost 100 years, the city gets a brand-new train station this week, in a bid that's hoped to benefit locals with easier access to jobs and businesses.
Today (July 31), Transport Secretary Mark Harper, along with Regional Mayor Dan Norris and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees will officially open the station at a special ceremony.
Portway Park and Ride sits on the existing Severn Beach Line and will offer half hourly services between Temple Meads and Avonmouth.
The scheme has been backed by funding from the Government and the local authority, with regular services running from the accessible, single-platform station seven days a week.
It's said the passenger line will be able to bring commuters into the city centre of Bristol in just 24 minutes.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "Today's opening of Portway Park and Ride Station is the latest example of this Government's plan to invest in infrastructure and grow the economy.
“It will provide a boost to Bristol and its surrounding area by improving local transport links while connecting passengers to business hubs and thousands of high-skilled job opportunities.”
The new station will be managed by Great Western Railway, and it's hoped it will ease congestion on local roads.
It will also provide around 9,000 people more options to get to and from work in the surrounding area, and it's hoped to support local growth by improving access to the Avonmouth and Temple Quarter Enterprise Zones.
These Zones are set to create 31,000 new jobs by 2050.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “I am incredibly proud and delighted to open Bristol’s first railway station in 96 years. Portway Park & Ride station will offer local people and commuters an efficient and sustainable travel option. Having boosted the number of free parking spaces at our park and ride site, it offers commuters more options to park up and catch a train or the bus.
“Completion of the railway station highlights our commitment to developing modern and accessible travel solutions. As we look towards a future of improved connectivity through a mass transit system, Portway Park & Ride is a key step on our journey towards a better connected Bristol and South West.
“We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our project partners and eagerly anticipate the positive impact this station will have on our city."
Portway Park and Ride Station marks Britain's 2,577th railway station and follows closely on the heels of the opening of Marsh Barton station in the South West earlier this month, also opened by the Transport Secretary.
The opening forms the latest in the Government's drive to invest in infrastructure to grow the economy and boost connectivity across the UK.
Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western route director, said: “This announcement marks an important milestone in our efforts to transform rail travel for our passengers in and around Bristol and the wider West of England area.
“I’d like to thank our partners in the project - Bristol City Council, the West of England Combined Authority and GWR – for their hard work and dedication in bringing this new station to the city. We hope that passengers from Bristol and beyond will experience the benefits that this new station will bring for years to come.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Passengers are pleased that the new Portway Park and Ride Railway Station is opening - the first new station built in this incredible city since the Roaring Twenties.
"Delivering for local people is what our multi-million-pound Reverse Beeching programme is all about.
"This is undoubtedly a good day for Bristolians and the West of England region, and I’m proud it’s been made possible by a substantial £3 million-plus investment from my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
“But this is just the beginning. We need to press ahead with work to give even more residents access to new stations as we strive to meet our ambitious West of England net-zero-by-2030 targets.”
Joe Graham, Business Assurance and Strategy Director at Great Western Railway, said: “We are delighted that services will be operating from the new Portway Park & Ride station. It will offer customers regular trains to and from Bristol Temple Meads twice an hour with a journey time of 25 minutes.
"Situated alongside the M5, this new station will provide a great alternative for those travelling into Bristol city centre or wanting to connect with the wider rail network.”