Rail passengers travelling between Carmarthen and London are set to have a choice of train operator.
Regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said its decision to give permission to new company Grand Union Trains (GUT) to start operating from the end of 2024 could lead to “lower fares, improved service quality and innovation”.
GUT is planning to run five daily return services between Carmarthen and London Paddington.
We’ve approved the introduction of new #train services between London, Cardiff and South West Wales from the end of 2024.
Operated by Grand Union Trains, passengers will benefit from 5 extra daily return services and greater choice of operator.
More ➡️ https://t.co/4LLjIJGxVQ pic.twitter.com/0huEy1fl3Q
— ORR (@railandroad) December 1, 2022
Trains will also call at Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction, Newport, Cardiff, Gowerton and Llanelli stations.
GUT will be in competition with existing operator Great Western Railway.
ORR director of strategy, policy and reform Stephanie Tobyn said: “This decision supports more choice for passengers, new direct journey opportunities, more price competition and new comfortable trains.
“The added competition should also make a significant contribution to innovation in terms of the routes served, ticketing practices and service quality improvements, by both Grand Union and through the response of existing operators.”
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