Great Western Coffee Shop

TransWilts Community Rail Partnership ^ new service puts Melksham on the map

Sun 8 Dec 2013 saw the start of the new, regular train service between Swindon and Westbury via Melksham. The Partnership is aiming for 20 passengers per service travelling to/through Melksham ^ that^s around 108,000 passenger-journeys per year on the Class 153 single-car unit. Initial reports are encouraging, with most trains well loaded and the car park at Melksham overflowing. This is due in no small part to the band of volunteers who^ve been publicising the service and making sure the station is tidy and has up-to-date information.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer was due to attend the official launch ceremony on 7 Feb. Looking beyond that date, there are plans to market the service more widely, improve passenger
facilities at Melksham and develop a line brochure with suggested walking trails. The Partnership recognises the importance of ensuring that the new TransWilts service is enshrined in the specification for the next Great Western rail franchise.