Views sought on 10-year rail plan

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More rail services from Cardiff to Portsmouth and Taunton are part of Network Rail's plan to meet increased demand over the next 10 years.

Its draft strategy expects passenger numbers in the Great Western area to rise by a third, with 100m people travelling in it between now to 2019.

Consultation on the strategy closes on 27 November.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, has welcomed the plan.

Network Rail predicts demand on the Great Western is set to grow by 31% in 2019, making investments in longer trains, more services and infrastructure "vital".

It said its plan would enhance the benefits of major committed schemes, including electrification, to "transform" Great Western services, bringing more seats, better connectivity and shorter journey times.

'Extra trains'

The rail industry body said the emerging strategy focuses on easing on-train crowding and removing performance "pinch-points".

If funding was available, some of these options will be delivered from 2014 onwards, it said.

Network Rail said development work had started on the electrification of the Great Western main line between London Paddington and Swansea and construction was planned for 2014 onwards.

Recommendations in the strategy include longer trains with an extra nine vehicles for services going into and out of Bristol Temple Meads on the Cardiff-Portsmouth and Cardiff-Taunton routes.

This is on top of the 12 extra trains that have already been proposed to the government for consideration.

'Realistic aspirations'

The strategy's options also include reducing journey times by up to nine minutes between Cardiff and Portsmouth by changing the calling patterns of one morning and evening peak services between Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads.

Passenger Focus manager Mike Greedy said: "This is a very important process which gives passengers the opportunity to highlight any realistic aspirations for the future services in their area and we encourage passengers to take part in Network Rail's consultation."

Mr Jones said: "This strategy will provide capacity and journey time improvements to rail services between Wales and the west country, and is a very welcome addition to the recent announcement on electrification."