New west country rail service approved
The rail regulator has given the project the green light
The rail regulator has approved plans for a new rail service in the South West.
Plans from Go-Op, a new company, would see new services across Wiltshire and Somerset.
It would operate return weekday and weekend services between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare, Taunton and Westbury, Taunton and Swindon, and Frome and Westbury and compete with Great Western Railway.
As part of the regulator's decision, Go-op must provide evidence of the necessary finance to start operations.
Martin Jones, Deputy Director at the Office for Rail and Road said: "Our decision gives Go-op the opportunity to bring the first co-operatively owned train service and the first regional open access service in the UK.
"We think this novel proposal can benefit passengers across Somerset and Wiltshire.
“We will closely monitor Go-op’s progress towards meeting the financial and rolling stock requirements that are needed before it can bring the services into operation.”
Go-Op say the service "will see six or more trains a day, improving the service levels in growing market towns.
"They will also provide much needed connections for services to and from Yeovil, Salisbury and Exeter.
"In addition, some services will be extended to Swindon; and we will also enhance travel up the Somerset coast with some extra trains between Taunton and Weston Super Mare."