DfT seeks views on the future of Great Western rail services

The DfT is seeking passengers' views on rail services on the Great Western route over the next five years, and how they can take advantage of improvements to the network.

The Department said that extensive electrification and other improvements on the line connecting Wales and South-West England to London and Reading will allow changes to services and it wants the franchise to "best meet the needs of passengers". The consultation is on a proposed franchise specification running from 2015 to 2020 and sets out options.

Respondents are invited to share any specific local factors they beleive might influence the future level of passenger demand, and to recommend any changes to services, explaining their rationale. Ministers also want to hear from potential rail scheme promoters, such as local authorities, whether they wish to purchase any extra services.

Rail minister Stephen Hammond said the Government is "committed to putting passengers at the heart of our franchising system"