From May 2008 a new three trains every two hours service was introduced on the Severn Beach line. 

For the first time Sunday services are also running. 

Passenger figures have increased as a result of the innovative work between First Great Western and Bristol City Council. 

Figures from our annual rail survey show a 22% increase in passengers using the Severn Beach Line since 2006.

Also on the Severn Beach line, Network Rail agreed to fund a third of the cost of providing a turnback at Clifton Down station, with Bristol City Council and First Great Western providing the remaining funding.  The turnback brings reliability benefits to services and helps to reduce the number of cancelled trains.  The turnback came into operation in 2009. 

The success of additional services on the Severn Beach line has led to the halving of the cost of support from £400,000 a year to £200,000.  The same level of services will be maintained.