CLondoner92 (New Account)<p>FirstGroup has applied to the Office of Rail and Road to launch a new open access rail service between <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/Hereford" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Hereford</span></a> and <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/London" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>London</span></a> <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/Paddington" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Paddington</span></a> via South <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/Wales" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wales</span></a>. The proposed route includes stops at <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/Bristol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Bristol</span></a> Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction, Cwmbran, Pontypool & New Inn, and Abergavenny, with two daily return services (one on Sundays). The service aims to improve connectivity, especially for around 200,000 people in Torfaen and Monmouthshire, and reduce reliance on road travel. It would also increase Hereford–London services from four to six on weekdays, filling current timetable gaps. The new route supports FirstGroup’s £500m order of Hitachi trains and builds on the success of its Lumo and Hull <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/Trains" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Trains</span></a> services, which have delivered significant economic benefits. The route is expected to boost tourism to the Brecon Beacons, Blaenavon, and Hereford. Pending approval and consultation, services could begin alongside the planned Carmarthen link in December 2027.<br><a href="https://www.firstgroupplc.com/news-and-media/latest-news/2025/06-06-2025.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">firstgroupplc.com/news-and-med</span><span class="invisible">ia/latest-news/2025/06-06-2025.aspx</span></a></p>