GWR steps in to rescue stranded coach passengers as M4 closure set to cause chaos

Don’t be a slowcoach

With the closure of the M4 motorway set to cause chaos for the next two weekends, train operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has stepped in to rescue National Express bus passengers, with an offer of free, fast, train transport.

The closure is likely to severely restrict those looking to take early advantage of weekends away, and to lead to significantly delayed road journeys.

A 13 mile stretch of the key M4 road corridor between London, South Wales and the West of England will be closed from 9pm Friday 12 May to 6am Monday 15 May.

The major roadworks are also expected to cause further chaos for road users between 9pm Friday 19 to 6am Monday 22, and again for a long weekend in June.

With driving between London and Bristol already taking half an hour longer on a good day than average rail journeys, GWR is offering complimentary rail travel for the entire journey to those already holding National Express fares, and reminding car drivers that great, cheap, rail tickets are still on offer.

Avoid being a slowcoach

Those wishing to avoid the slow road, and holding a valid National Express ticket purchased before Tuesday 2 May for travel on any of the dates affected between London and the West of England (passengers will need to show proof of purchase) will be able to travel on any equivalent GWR rail service. Visit www.gwr.com/M4 for full terms and conditions.

GWR Head of Communications Dan Panes said:

“Even with significant infrastructure work continuing in preparation for new Intercity Express Trains later this year, the GWR network is still very much open for business as usual.

“Don’t be a slowcoach, come and join us and get to your destination quicker.”   

*Advance single fares are on GWR still available between:

• Bath and London Paddington for £17
• Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington for £17.50
• Bristol Parkway and London Paddington for £17.50
• Cardiff and London Paddington for £22
• Swansea and London Paddington for £23

*Fares correct at time of publication. Terms and condition apply.

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.