AT300s facilitate direct to Bedwyn

Great Western Railway says direct trains to Bedwyn and Frome will be retained, through the use of bi-mode AT300 Class 802s on order from Hitachi Rail Europe.

Passenger services from London to Bedwyn were due to be lost because wires are only being erected as far as Newbury, while the continuation of services to Frome was due to be discussed.

The introduction of bi-mode trains means that both are now possible, the operator says, although a siding at Bedwyn will need extending. Currently three-car Class 165/166s are used on these trains, but the AT300s will be five-car formations.

The extension requires planning approval and the diversion of a footpath. GWR and Network Rail are in discussions with local parish councils ahead of submitting a formal planning application to Wiltshire Council.

GWR Regional Development Manager Tom Pierpoint said: “We at GWR are only too aware of the value that rail plays in the local and national economy.”

The first AT300 is due for delivery this summer. They enter traffic next year.