The UK’s rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), has approved a new rail service between Swindon, Taunton, and Weston-super-Mare, to be operated by the co-operatively owned Go-op.
This groundbreaking decision marks a significant step towards increased competition in the UK rail market and offers new travel options for passengers in the region. Go-op plans to introduce weekday and weekend services between Taunton and Weston-super-Mare, Taunton and Westbury, Taunton and Swindon, and Frome and Westbury, competing with Great Western Railway (GWR).
To ensure the successful launch of the service, Go-op must meet specific conditions set by the ORR. These include securing adequate funding, finalising rolling stock arrangements, and implementing necessary level crossing enhancements. The company is expected to provide evidence of these commitments by November 2025.
Martin Jones, Deputy Director of Access, Licensing & International at ORR, commented: “Our decision gives Go-op the opportunity to bring the first co-operatively owned train service and the first regional open access service in the UK. We think this novel proposal can benefit passengers across Somerset and Wiltshire.
“We will closely monitor Go-op’s progress towards meeting the financial and rolling stock requirements that are needed before it can bring the services into operation.”
The ORR’s decision balances the potential benefits of increased competition and improved passenger choice with the need to minimise any negative impacts on government funding and overall train service performance.
You can read the Go-op decision letter here.
