FGW welcomes opportunity to improve transport in Bristol
Thursday 28 February
First Great Western has welcomed the opportunity to continue to work with partners to improve transport in Bristol.
Speaking at an Institute of Directors event held at the M-Shed last night First Group’s Bid Director for the First Great Western franchise Matthew Golton said:
“This strategic transport debate is being held to build on discussions about Bristol’s future transport priorities.
“There is still much to do and we will keep planning for growth - working with business, the Mayor, the City and with Government - to support the communities we serve and keep people moving in an increasingly congested world.
“We have worked in close partnership with local authorities, the Local Enterprise Partnership, rail users, communities, Government and our industry partners to secure long term transport investment for the Greater Bristol area, including electrification and new Intercity Express trains.”
Mr Golton went on to cite First Great Western’s record in Bristol, which has seen 100% growth for the Severn Beach Line as well as the injection of 1700 additional seats at peak times in the Greater Bristol area; testament to the partnership working across the region and with Government.
Institute of Directors chair Tom McCarthy said:
“The IoD organised transport debate brought together transport experts from academia, the business world and local government in an effort to define the route ahead.
“Historically there have been numerous excellent transport initiatives but not enough cohesion to deliver an integrated system. A key concept that arose from the debate last night was a model of integrated transport, similar to the Transport for London Authority.
“We fully endorse this concept and hope that the regional local authorities can continue to work together alongside the transport providers to create such an organisation.”
The Creating an inspirational transport future for Bristol event was held to enable business leaders to listen to and question what leaders of transport see as the key transport issues in the region.