2 weeks Ago
On April 4, the Gazette and Herald and Wiltshire Times reported that plans had been discussed for a new public transportation system that would connect conurbations across west Wiltshire and Bath and north Somerset. The MetroWest Bath & Wiltshire proposal was the subject of discussion at a conference in Chippenham hosted by ConnectedCities. For between, £20 million and £30 million, the plans could see multiple new stations created in and around “hub towns” like Chippenham and Trowbridge while existing infrastructure would be upgraded to unlock the potential for 50,000 new homes in the area.
It is claimed that by restoring disused platforms, realtering junctions, and making other “low-cost” interventions, a Metro system could be introduced connecting Wiltshire and Somerset that would lead to two trains per hour on the worst service and six trains per hour on the best service. Although the concept is in the planning phase, the announcement of the plans has sparked debate among residents, with some criticising the plans. Junko Baldwin: “No thank you to unreliable train service that charges exorbitant amount of money for traveling just 30 miles.
So offensive that they keep wasting our tax money on these unrealistic plans.” Tracy Parker's comment read: “How much money wasted just discussing this ridiculous idea.” Andy Tarrant responded to the news by arguing that the plans were a way to facilitate “yet more” housing across the county.
Recommended reading: 'Delightful boutique' Wiltshire hotel sells for huge sum Work finally begins on town's £25m leisure centre Pioneering Wiltshire tech department hailed by MP He said: “It’s just another open door to building yet more houses! All they need to do is buy some electric buses like Faresaver have just done which could access more areas & more often than trains can! And, you’d have some money to put towards flood defences, which to my untrained eye, a big fat 0 has been done in Chippenham so far to prevent a repeat of last year’s town centre flooding!" On the other hand, many commentors were positive about the idea, highlighting the benefits offered by a more convenient public transport system, and the success of other metro systems across the country. Jenny Charlwood said: “When we lived in Beckenham, Kent. A metro was developed from Beckenham Junction and Croydon and surrounding areas.
It has been very successful.” Clare Cape added: “Great thinking behind this to make future developments much less 'car centric' and sustainable. Joined up thinking on land use for employment, agriculture, transport, renewables, homes and social infrastructure is essential.
” Responding to the Wiltshire Times, Parvis Khansari, corporate director for Place, said: “We would consider any value for money proposal as long as it can be proven to improve sustainable transport and connectivity in Wiltshire.” Responding to the Wiltshire Times’ request for comment Brian Love, from ConnectedCities, said: “The places where better rail services are proposed all have a very high level of what is called 'transport related social exclusion' and fall into the High Risk or Higher Risk categories. “Older people who cannot drive and those who cannot afford the high cost of motoring have very poor public transport at present.
“Limited or unreliable bus and rail services, long journey times, and high fares can restrict access to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential services. “A new station at White Horse Business Park will open up new job opportunities, and also provide facilities for the high-tech businesses spinning out of Bath's universities. “The extra houses are coming, whether residents of the region like it or not.
And wouldn't they prefer a better train service rather than more congested roads? “The proposals are a way of minimising the amount of countryside taken for new homes, using the most sustainable forms of transport - walking, cycling and rail. “Rail emissions per passenger kilometre are about a fifth of cars - trains emitting around 35 grams of CO2e per passenger-kilometre, while average cars emit around 165-170 grams. “Amey believe the concept is viable and affordable, and the next step is to develop an Strategic Outline Business Case to take the project forward.
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