An independent train operator has taken a step closer to enhancing the railway service at Frome station after signing a contract with Network Rail.
Go-op – a co-operatively owned operator – shared plans to run weekday and weekend services between Taunton and Weston-Super-Mare; Taunton and Westbury; Taunton and Swindon; and Frome and Westbury.
The new Track Access Contract grants permission for Go-op to use Network Rail’s infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals and other related assets. It will compete with Great Western Railway (GWR), a public service operator, with the new services starting in December 2025 at the earliest and no later than December 2026.
“We’ve demonstrated that there is an approach to open access rail that complements the nationalised operator,” explained Go-op’s strategy director, Danny Douglas. “This can bring a focus on local connectivity whilst sustainably bringing growth to communities in their regions.
“Go-op is now keen to talk to local governments who want to enter partnerships across the country about how they can do the same thing in their area with Go-op.”
Go-op will now seek key investment partners to reach the £2.5M cost of launching the service.
“We have taken our grassroots crowdfunding approach as far as we can,” said Go-op chair, Alex Lawrie. “What we need now is strategic partnerships with a small number of specialist investors who see the connection between our operations and the big capital projects in the area that have gained momentum on the strength of our track access contract. From housing and buses to leisure and energy developments, Go-op is the catalyst for growth across the region.”
Go-op plans to use a Class 769 rolling stock train, which is a bi-mode train capable of operating at up to 90mph and has four carriages offering much more space for passengers, bicycles and freight.
“The benefits of Go-op’s new services to members in towns such as Frome and Melksham were already significant, but these additional capabilities would allow Go-op to do much more,” said Alex.
Pictured: Frome Railway Station
