GWR reaction to Chris Grayling statement on GWR franchise split

The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP, gave members of the Transport Select Committee a sneak preview on the new Great Western franchise yesterday when he told members that he would not be splitting the franchise into smaller units.

In response to the Secretary of State’s comments a Great Western Railway spokesman said: 

“We welcome the early clarity on the future shape of the Great Western Railway franchise that Chris Grayling’s statement has given communities across the Great Western franchise. 

“Much of what we have been able to deliver for the customers in the region has been delivered by working together with communities across the network, with a mix of operational flexibility, long-term investment and opportunities for growth that relies on a train operator of our size to deliver. 

“We look forward to seeing the results of the rest of the consultation.”

Notes to editors

Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year - across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England. 

We’re currently seeing the biggest investment in the network since Brunel so we can offer more trains, more seats, and shorter, more frequent journeys and continue the network’s heritage of helping connect more businesses to new and prosperous markets. Through a series of initiatives we aim to be a good neighbour to the communities we serve and are committed to making a positive social impact in those regions. Learn how we're Building a Greater West at GWR.com. GWR is a FirstGroup company.