Go-op secures ORR approval for new Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare rail service
- The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has today approved Go-op’s application to operate a new open access rail service between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare.
- The service will launch in December 2024 and will operate four trains per day in each direction, calling at Swindon, Chippenham, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Exeter St Davids and Plymouth.
- Go-op is a new open access rail operator, founded by former Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood. The company is backed by private equity firm Infracapital.
- The ORR’s approval is a significant milestone for Go-op, as it marks the first time that a new open access operator has been approved to operate a long-distance rail service in the UK since 2009.
- Go-op’s new service will provide passengers with a new and competitive travel option between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare. The service will also improve connectivity between these towns and cities and the rest of the UK rail network.
- The ORR’s decision to approve Go-op’s application is a positive sign for the future of open access rail services in the UK. It demonstrates that there is a market for new and innovative rail services, and that the ORR is committed to supporting the development of competition in the rail industry.
Quotes
- Mark Hopwood, founder and CEO of Go-op, said: “We are delighted that the ORR has approved our application to operate a new open access rail service between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare. This is a significant milestone for Go-op, and we are now looking forward to working with our partners to launch the service in December 2024.”
- John Dryden, Director of Railway Markets and Economics at the ORR, said: “We are pleased to approve Go-op’s application to operate a new open access rail service between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare. This is a positive development for the rail industry, and we believe that Go-op’s service will provide passengers with a new and competitive travel option.”
Notes to editors
- Go-op is a new open access rail operator, founded by former Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood. The company is backed by private equity firm Infracapital.
- Go-op’s new service will launch in December 2024 and will operate four trains per day in each direction, calling at Swindon, Chippenham, Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Exeter St Davids and Plymouth.
- The ORR is the independent regulator of the rail industry in Great Britain. The ORR’s mission is to ensure that the rail industry works in the best interests of consumers, the economy and the environment.
Regulator approves new Go-op train service between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare
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UK Office of Rail of Road a new article on 2024-11-15 14:00 titled “Regulator approves new Go-op train service between Swindon, Taunton and Weston-super-Mare”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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