THE DEPARTMENT for Transport has announced that it has awarded a new contract to Great Western Railway to continue operating the Great Western network.
The contract is in place until at least June 2025, though there is scope for a further three years at the discretion of the Transport secretary.
GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a National Rail Contract by the Department for Transport, which is a sign of its confidence in GWR as a trusted operator, and means we can continue to build on welcoming more people back to the railway.
“We look forward to working with our rail partners to develop services designed to meet changing customer needs, and putting passengers at the heart of an updated, modern railway.”
The GWR has stated that its focus will remain on attracting people back to using rail, to improve the customer experience, continuing to invest in sustainable services, and providing value for money.
Rail minister Wendy Morton said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Great Western Railway, and excited by its plans to deliver more benefits for local communities.
“During the pandemic, GWR was instrumental in keeping critical services moving and this new contract will see it continue to deliver our ambitious Plan for Rail and provide a fantastic service for passengers.”
Great Western Railway took over the Great Western franchise in 2015, since which it has reported a jump in satisfaction rates among customers from 81% to 91%.
Part of GWR’s ongoing investment in sustainable services includes the new station at Green Park, due to open later in the summer.
