New Somerset train services start on July 27

GWR Shuttles to West Somerset Railway details are announced on 08 July 2019

Saturday trains starting on July 27 and through August and into the autumn form the basis of the new GWR summer shuttle service linking the national rail network at Taunton station and the West Somerset Railway, one of Somerset’s top tourist attractions.

Details of the new service being run as a joint venture between the West Somerset Railway and Great Western Railway are announced today.

Trains will run on Saturdays on the following dates:

July 27

August 3, 17, 31

September 7, 21

October 5.

These dates will allow for a big influx of visitors to the WSR’s special events on 3 August, the Steam Rally at Norton Fitzwarren, and the Autumn Steam Gala on October 5.

Details of the train service are set out below. Further dates for the shuttle later in the year are still under consideration by GWR and the WSR.

The primary purpose of the trial is to attract people from the national network to visit the WSR and enjoy the scenic line and attractions which will bring big benefits to local businesses in West Somerset. The West Somerset Railway itself is one of the largest tourist attractions in Somerset with around 180,000 visitors a year. For local residents, the new service offers a stress free and sustainable way of Saturday shopping in Taunton as well as a good connection with the national network.

Great Western Railway already offers through tickets from its staffed stations to the West Somerset Railway, and these will be valid on the shuttle train or on the No. 28 bus between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard as an alternative to the shuttle rail service. Tickets can also be bought on the shuttle train from Taunton to any station on the West Somerset Railway.

The use of the trains will be carefully monitored and analysed to see if there is a basis for running a service in future years.

For information on the GWR shuttle and West Somerset Railway services, see the railway’s website: www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996.

For information on connecting services from Taunton, see the National Rail website: www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950.

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “This new regular, timetabled GWR shuttle service from Taunton to the WSR at Bishops Lydeard is an exciting opportunity for both railways in a joint venture. It is funded through our Customer and Community Improvement Fund as a trial, and we hope that visitors, enthusiasts and local residents will use the new Saturday service this year so that we can jointly evaluate its success.”

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, chairman of the West Somerset Railway plc said: “The new GWR shuttle link is another good reason to visit the West Somerset Railway this year. Coupled with great scenery, the friendly welcome and our steam trains, and you have an unbeatable day out. We are proud to be running our heritage steam trains alongside their Great Western successors.”

Timetable (please check on the website prior to travelling as times will vary for WSR special event weekends, or ring 01643 704996).

Saturdays:

GWR Taunton dep	09.39	10.28	12.10	15.37	16.36
GWR Bishops Lydeard arr	09.56	10.45	12.26	15.54	16.53
WSR Bishops Lydeard dep	10.15	11.00	12.40	16.20
WSR Minehead arr	11.35	12.20	14.00	18.00

WSR Minehead dep			10.05	14.30	15.25
WSR Bishops Lydeard arr			11.30	15.52	16.50
GWR Bishops Lydeard dep	10.03	11.45	12.53	16.09	17.11
GWR Taunton arr	10.22	12.05	13.10	16.26	17.28

BR’s Minehead branch line closed in January 1971, and the West Somerset Railway opened between Minehead and Blue Anchor in March 1976. This is the 40^th anniversary year of the line reopening to Bishops Lydeard and the boundary of the railway next to the main line at Norton Fitzwarren.

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Ian Camp, Trustee and Museum Curator said: “This achievement represents a significant milestone for our museum. The progress we have made is the result of the unwavering dedication and hard work of our team over the past several years. Their commitment has been instrumental in reaching this important point in our journey.

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Helen Anson, Trustee and Museum Professional Adviser said: “This is a defining moment for the Heritage Trust. By gaining accreditation we have demonstrated our deep commitment to our museums service, setting high standards in organisational health, collections care and management and visitor experience. The contribution from the whole team has been outstanding and their passion for embedding excellence across the organisation will ensure that we continue to build on this success over the coming years.”

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