FirstGroup Proposes Direct London–Hereford Rail Link

FirstGroup plans to introduce direct trains between London Paddington and Hereford, aiming to improve service for around 200,000 people in South Wales and the West of England. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The proposal includes two return services each weekday and one on Sundays, with stops at Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction, Cwmbran, Pontypool & New Inn, and Abergavenny.

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This plan would raise the total number of daily direct trains from Hereford to London to six. FirstGroup says the route will significantly enhance connectivity for residents in the Torfaen and Monmouthshire council areas.

The Hereford proposal complements FirstGroup’s approved route from London to Carmarthen, scheduled to launch in December 2027. Both services are planned to begin at the same time.

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To support the new service, FirstGroup intends to expand its existing fleet order. The company already has 14 five-car trains on order for Hull Trains and Lumo, and it plans to add more units as needed.

Consultations and discussions with Network Rail will follow. These talks will define access rights, infrastructure requirements, and timetable coordination for the new route.

FirstGroup continues to push open access as a model for innovation in UK rail. The company believes this approach delivers better value, increased competition, and more travel choices for passengers.

Source: www.modernrailways.com

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