View source for User:Mattbuck/Severn Beach Line

{{Infobox rail line
 | box_width   = 30em
 | name        = Severn Beach Line
 | color       =
 | logo        =
 | logo_width  =
 | image       =
 | image_width = 300px
 | caption     = [[First Great Western]] [[British Rail Class 150|150233]] crosses the [[River Trym]] just outside {{rws|Sea Mills}} on its way to {{rws|Avonmouth}}.
 | type        = [[Commuter rail]]
 | system      = [[National Rail]]
 | status      = Operational
 | locale      = [[Bristol]], [[South Gloucestershire]]
 | start       = [[Bristol Temple Meads railway station|Bristol Temple Meads]]<br>{{coord|51.4492|-2.5803|type:railwaystation_region:GB|display=inline|name=Bristol Temple Meads station}}
 | end         = {{rws|Severn Beach}}<br>{{coord|51.5599|-2.6645|type:railwaystation_region:GB|display=inline|name=Severn Beach station}}
 | stations    = 11 (plus 6 disused)
 | routes      =
 | daily_ridership   =
 | open        = 1863 (Bristol Port Railway and Pier)<br>1875 ([[Narroways Hill Junction]] to {{rws|Clifton Down}})<br>1877 ([[Clifton Down Tunnel]])<br>1900 ({{rws|Avonmouth}} to {{rws|Pilning}})
 | close       =
 | owner       = [[Network Rail]]
 | operator    = [[First Great Western]]
 | character   =
 | depot       = [[St_Philips_Marsh#Railways|St Philips Marsh T&RSMD]]
 | stock       = [[British Rail Class 143|Class 143 "Pacer"]]<br>[[British Rail Class 150|Class 150 "Sprinter"]]<br>[[British Rail Class 153|Class 153 "Super Sprinter"]]<br>[[British Rail Class 158|Class 158 "Express Sprinter"]]
 | linelength  = 
 | tracklength = 
 | notrack     = Four ({{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}} to Dr Days Junction) <br> Two (Dr Days Junction to Narroways Junction, {{rws|Clifton Down}}, {{rws|Avonmouth}}) <br> One (elsewhere)
 | gauge       = {{RailGauge|1435}}
 | old_gauge      = 
 | minradius   =
 | racksystem  =
 | el          = 
 | speed       = 
 | elevation   =
 | website     =
 | map         =
 | map_state   = collapsed
}}
{{Severn Beach Line}}
{{Severn Beach Line detail|collapse=yes}}
The '''Severn Beach Line''' is a local [[railway]] line in [[Bristol]] and [[South Gloucestershire]], [[England]]. It runs from {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}} to {{rws|Severn Beach}}, and used to extend to {{rws|Pilning}}. The first sections of the line were opened in 1863 as part of the [[Bristol Port Railway and Pier]], the section through Bristol was opened in 1875 as the [[Clifton Extension Railway]]. The line has faced several threats of closure over the years, and has been reduced to single track in many places. In recent years however it has experienced a surge in passenger numbers, with a 90% increase in the years 2007-11. All services along the line are operated by [[First Great Western]], mainly one train in each direction between {{rws|Avonmouth}} and Temple Meads every 40 minutes, calling at all stations, with one train every two hours extended to Severn Beach. The line carries little freight traffic, with most of the heavy freight traffic to [[Avonmouth Docks]] being routed via the [[Henbury Loop Line]] through [[Filton]]. The line has been highlighted by [[Thomas Cook Group|Thomas Cook]] as one of the scenic lines of [[Europe]].

== Route ==
From {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}}, the line heads east, diverging from the [[Great Western Main Line]], [[Wessex Main Line]] and [[Heart of Wessex Line]] at Bristol East Junction. The line curves to the north, passing under the A4320 and then joining with a chord from the Great Western Main Line at Dr Days Junction. At this point there are four tracks, but this narrows to two before {{rws|Lawrence Hill}}. Continuing north, the line passes under the old [[Midland Railway]] [[Bristol to Gloucester Line]], passes through {{rws|Stapleton Road}}, then diverges west from the [[Cross Country Route]] at [[Narroways Hill Junction]]. The line from here is single track, passing through some woodlands and circling the [[St Werburghs]] area before reaching {{rws|Montpelier}}. The line then passes over the [[A38]] Gloucester Road on a viaduct known as "The Arches", before reaching {{rws|Redland}} and passing along a straight cutting through [[Cotham, Bristol|Cotham]] before reaching {{rws|Clifton Down}}. This is the line's main passing point, as it is one of the few remaining places with double track. The line then enters the mile-long [[Clifton Down Tunnel]], reappearing in the [[Avon Gorge]]. The line follows the river, passing through {{rws|Sea Mills}} before heading inland to {{rws|Shirehampton}}, past the [[Portway Park and Ride]], under the [[M5 Avonmouth Bridge]] and through an industrial estate before reaching {{rws|Avonmouth}}. Avonmouth has a passing loop, but is not often used as a passing place. Beyond Avonmouth, the line passes through a small residential area before reaching [[Avonmouth Docks]]. A freight yard is to the east of the line here, used for coal trains. {{rws|St Andrews Road}} is within the yard, and to the north the [[Henbury Loop Line]] diverges to the east. The Severn Beach Line continues north along the banks of the [[River Severn]] to the terminus at {{rws|Severn Beach}}.<ref name="Baker">{{cite book|first=S.K.|last=Baker|title=Rail Atlas of Great Britain and Ireland|edition=12|year=2010|isbn=978-0-86093-632-9|publisher=Ian Allan}}</ref><ref name="OS">{{cite book |title=OS Landranger Map 172 – Bristol & Bath |year=2008 |publisher=[[Ordnance Survey]] |location=Southampton |isbn=978-0-319-22914-9}}</ref><ref name="CNX">{{cite web|url=http://deaves47.zxq.net/ELRs/_mileages/C/CNX.txt|title=Engineers' Line References: CNX Clifton Extension Line|accessdate=23 May 2012|author=Deaves, Phil}}</ref><ref name="AMB">{{cite web|url=http://deaves47.zxq.net/ELRs/_mileages/A/AMB.txt|title=Engineers' Line References: AMB Avonmouth Branch|accessdate=23 May 2012|author=Deaves, Phil}}</ref>

Beyond Severn Beach, the line used to continue north through the town and along the banks of the Severn, meeting the [[Bristol and South Wales Union Railway]]'s line near {{rws|New Passage Pier}}. It then joined with the [[South Wales Main Line]] at {{rws|Pilning}}.<ref name="Baker"/><ref name="OS"/><ref name="CNX"/><ref name="AMB"/>

The line has been listed among [[Thomas Cook]]'s most favoured attractions for its scenic route along the River Avon and River Severn.<ref name="insideout">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/west/series6/railway.shtml|title=BBC Inside Out - Bristol's Severn Beach Railway Line|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]|date=20 September 2004|accessdate=28 July 2012}}</ref>

== Services ==
Services along the line are all operated by First Great Western, mainly using diesel {{brc|150}} ''Sprinter'' units, occasionally supplemented by {{brc|153}} ''Super Sprinter'' and {{brc|158}} ''Express Sprinter'' units.<ref name="successful">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Newer-trains-seats-track-commuter-line/story-11235537-detail/story.html|title=First Great Western will add to service on successful Severn Bridge rail line|date=25 January 2011|accessdate=23 June 2012|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]}}</ref><ref name="nytbl">{{cite journal | author = Salveson, Paul | editor = Abell, Paul | date = June 2012 | title = Severn Beach: Not your typical branch line! | journal = [[Today's Railways]] | issue =126 | pages =42-47 | location =[[Sheffield]] | publisher =[[Platform 5]] | language =English}}</ref> Until 2012, {{brc|143}} ''Pacer'' units were a regular sight, but these have mostly been moved south to work in [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]] following a cascade of Class 150/1 units from [[London Midland]] and [[London Overground]].<ref name="nytbl"/><ref name="LOROL">{{cite news |title=LOROL Class 150s all with FGW |author=Miles, Tony |work=[[Modern Railways]] |location =London |date= December 2010 |page=90}}</ref> Monday to Friday, three trains every two hours run from {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}} to {{rws|Avonmouth}}, with one extended to {{rws|St Andrew's Road}} and {{rws|Severn Beach}}, giving a service at Clifton Down of one train in each direction every 40 minutes. Most services start at Bristol, but one evening service to Avonmouth begins at {{rws|Weston-super-Mare}}.<ref name="FGWTT29MAY12">{{cite web |url=http://firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Train-times-and-tickets/Train-times/~/media/PDF/Tickets%20and%20train%20times/New%20Timetables/TT29.pdf |title=Timetable 29: Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach; 14 May to 8 December 2012 |publisher=[[First Great Western]]|accessdate=2012-04-05}}</ref><ref name="timetable2"/> On Saturdays there is a similar level of service, but more trains continue to Severn Beach. Sunday sees a roughly hourly service to and from Bristol, with only two services extending to Severn Beach, except during the May–September timetable period, when all services are extended. The first and last Sunday trains towards Bristol are extended to {{rws|Taunton}} via {{rws|Weston-super-Mare}}, and there are similar workings in the other direction.<ref name="FGWTT29MAY12"/><ref name="timetable2"/>

Clifton Down is the line's main passing point, so trains to Avonmouth usually arrive at the same time as trains to Bristol Temple Meads. Most trains trains call at all stations, but some services omit {{rws|Lawrence Hill}}. St Andrew's Road is a request stop. The typical journey time from Temple Meads to Avonmouth is 28 minutes, and 37 minutes to Severn Beach.<ref name="timetable2">{{cite web|url=http://firstgreatwestern.co.uk/~/media/PDF/Tickets%20and%20train%20times/May%202012%20Large%20TT/GWTT29.pdf|title=Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach|date=May 2012|publisher=[[First Great Western]]|accessdate=26 June 2012}}</ref> The line has a zonal fare system, the first zone from Temple Meads to Clifton Down, the second from Clifton Down to Severn Beach. In 2012, the single fare within a zone was £1.50 and a return £2.00; a whole line ticket cost £2 single and £3 return. Weekly season tickets were £6 and £9 respectively.<ref name="nytbl"/><ref name="FGWTT29MAY12"/>

== History ==
=== The Bristol Port Railway and Pier ===
{{main|Bristol Port Railway and Pier}}
Bristol sits on the [[River Avon (Bristol)|River Avon]], with its [[Bristol Harbour|docks]] several miles inland. By the 19th century, ships had grown to such a size that navigating the Avon was not possible anymore, and so ships would have to dock at the head of the river at [[Avonmouth]] instead. The Bristol Port Railway and Pier company (BPRP) was founded in 1862 with the intent to build a single-track [[standard gauge]] railway the {{convert|5.75|mi|km}} from Avonmouth to the city centre alongside the Avon. The railway's act of parliament was passed on 17 July 1862, and the railway opened on 6 March 1865, running from a terminus called [[Hotwells railway station|Clifton]] in the [[Avon Gorge]]. As built the railway was isolated from the rest of the national network, having not been intended for anything more than local traffic, so a connection to the main line railways was needed in order to develop Avonmouth as a port. However, due to the position of Clifton station and the large amount of developed land in the [[Hotwells, Bristol|Hotwells]] area, an extension towards [[Bristol Temple Meads]], the city's main station, would have been prohibitively expensive. Instead, a link was proposed from the BPRP at [[Sneyd Park]], running under [[The Downs, Bristol|Clifton Down]] and through the suburbs to connect to the main lines of the [[Midland Railway|Midland]] and [[Bristol and South Wales Union Railway|Bristol and South Wales Union]] railways. The connection was authorised in 1867, but the BPRP was in financial difficulties, and so unable to complete the line. It entered into negotiations with the [[Midland Railway|Midland]] and [[Great Western Railway|Great Western]] Railways (the latter now the owner of the Bristol and South Wales Union Railway).<ref name="maggsbprp"/>

=== Clifton Extension Railway ===
{{main|Clifton Extension Railway}}
The Clifton Extension Railway initially ran from {{rws|Clifton Down}} to [[Narroways Hill Junction]] with what is now the [[Cross Country Route]] north through Bristol, then part of the Great Western Railway; and over a viaduct from Narroways Hill to the Midland Railway's [[Bristol and Gloucester Railway|Bristol to Gloucester Line]] near {{rws|Fishponds}}. The line was managed by the Clifton Extension Railway Joint Committee, but in 1894 responsibility was passed to the Great Western & Midland Railways Joint Committee.<ref name="maggsbprp"/> Services began to Clifton Down on 1 October 1874.<ref name="Oakley"/>

The initial service provided by the Midland Railway was between Clifton Down, Fishponds and {{rws|Mangotsfield}}, where passengers could change for services to [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], [[Birmingham]] and other Midland destinations. The Great Western provided services from Clifton Down to {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}}, the city's major station, where passengers could change for trains to [[London]], [[Exeter]] and [[Wales]], among others. The Great Western also provided occasional through services to {{rws|Weston-super-Mare}}. There were a total of 23 trains in each direction between the two companies Monday-Saturday.<ref name="Oakley"/> On Sundays, there was no Midland service, but seven Great Western trains.<ref name="maggs21">{{cite book|title=Rail Centres: Bristol (#21)|author=Maggs, Colin G|year=2008|origyear=First published 1981|publisher=Booklaw Publications|location=[[Nottingham]]|edition=3rd|pages=41–42|isbn=1-901945-30-8}}</ref> The fare to Temple Meads was 6d first-class and 3d third-class.<ref name="maggsbprp"/> The [[Clifton Down Tunnel]], the final link to the Bristol Port Railway and Pier, was opened in 1877, initially allowing freight trains to reach [[Avonmouth Docks]]. It was not until 1885 that it was cleared for passenger use, which allowed services to {{rws|Avonmouth}} via {{rws|Sea Mills}} and {{rws|Shirehampton}}. There was a trial Midland service between {{rws|Bristol St Philip's}} and Avonmouth in September 1885, but this was ended after a month.<ref name="Oakley"/> In 1886, the daily Great Western service was six trains each way between Avonmouth and Temple Meads, 24 trains from Clifton Down to Temple Meads and 26 the other direction. The Midland provided 12 services from Clifton Down to Fishponds, and 11 back.<ref name="maggs21"/>

There was not initially a station at {{rws|Redland}}, but there was local support, with several petitions submitted to the line's Joint Railway Committee. The first was received in October 1885, but was rejected due to the estimated cost of £3,410 to provide the station. A second petition was rejected eighteen months later. The Bristol [[Chamber of Commerce]] petitioned for a station in 1892, but the Committee again rejected the request, stating that estimated traffic levels would not justify the expense. It took until 1896 until a revised plan was accepted by the Committee.<ref name="Oakley"/> The station finally opened on 12 April 1897.<ref name="Butt">{{Butt-Stations|page=196}}</ref>

In 1910, Clifton Down saw 17 Great Western services from Avonmouth to Temple Meads and 15 the other way, a further 20 trains each day operating between Clifton and Temple Meads, and 13 Midland trains each way between Clifton and Fishponds or Mangotsfield. Midland services were suspended from 1 January 1917 to 15 May 1919 due to the [[First World War]].<ref name="Oakley"/> The {{rws|Hotwells}} section of the Bristol Port Railway and Pier closed in 1922, so to compensate, an additional six trains were provided from Clifton Down to Avonmouth, and four back.<ref name="maggs21"/>

In 1923, [[Railways Act 1921|grouping]] resulted in the Midland Railway being absorbed into the [[London, Midland and Scottish Railway]] (LMS), and the line continued in a joint arrangement between the Great Western and the LMS.<ref name="maggsbprp"/> From 1924, many trains to Avonmouth were extended to {{rws|Severn Beach}}, a growing seaside resort, and some on to {{rws|Pilning}}, then back to Temple Meads via {{rws|Patchway}}.<ref name="nytbl"/><ref name="maggs21"/> The [[Second World War]] saw the end of services to Fishponds and Mangotsfield, the last operating on 31 March 1941.<ref name="Oakley"/> By 1947, just before the start of the British Rail era, there were 33 services each direction between Avonmouth and Temple Meads, and 18 on Sundays.<ref name="maggs21"/> Some trains made circular trips to and from Temple Meads via Clifton Down and {{rws|Henbury}} or {{rws|Pilning}}.<ref name="nytbl"/><ref name="Oakley"/>

=== British Rail ===

When the railways were [[nationalisation|nationalised]] in [[Transport Act 1947|1948]], the Severn Beach Line came under the aegis of the [[Western Region of British Railways]].<ref name="maggsbprp">{{cite book|title=The Bristol Port Railway and Pier|author=Maggs, Colin|year=1975|publisher=The Oakwood Press}}</ref> Passenger numbers however dropped sharply in 1961 as the result of a fare increase, and so in 1962 a new reduced timetable was enacted, which lost more passengers, and saw the withdrawal of a special schoolchildren's service.<ref name="maggs21"/> A year later in 1963, [[Beeching cuts|the Beeching report]] suggested that all services along the line be withdrawn. Following meetings with staff, it was decided to keep the line open to Severn Beach, but to close the section to Pilning, and also end services via Henbury.<ref name="maggsbprp"/> These services duly ended, but the line was still threatened, and on 10 February 1967, when it was announced that all services between {{rws|Stapleton Road}} and Severn Beach would be discontinued. An enquiry followed, and in June that year the decision was reversed, on the condition that tickets be issued on the trains. Thus, on 17 July 1967, all stations along the line, other than Temple Meads, had their staff withdrawn.<ref name="maggsbprp"/><ref name="Oakley"/> The decrease of costs allowed a reduction of ticket prices, but the line was still under threat until in June 1969 it was decided that the line's closure would result in significant hardship, and so a grant was allocated to ensure continued services.<ref name="maggsbprp"/> Most of the line was reduced to single track in late 1970, leaving Clifton Down as one of the few passing places.<ref name="Oakley"/> 

On 20 October 1981, the Severn Beach Line saw one of the first uses of a [[railbus]] on passenger services, when [[BREL]] Railbus RB003 operated the 10:08 service from {{rws|Bristol Temple Meads}}. The first railbus concept, [[British Rail Railbuses#Second Generation BR Railbuses|LEV1]], would begin operations on the line less than a week later.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Booth |first1=Chris |year=2009 |title=The BRE-Leyland Railbus concept |journal=[[Today's Railways]] |issue=December 2009 |page=p35}}</ref> Later model {{brc|143}} ''[[Pacer (train)|Pacer]]'' railbuses would be a regular sight on the line until 2012.<ref name="nytbl"/><ref name="LOROL"/>

[[British Rail]] was split into business-led sectors in the 1980s, at which time operations passed to [[Regional Railways]]. At this time, all trains ran to Severn Beach, but the service pattern was irregular.<ref name="nytbl"/> The state of the line was brought up in [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] in 1990 by [[Member of Parliament|MP]] for [[Bristol North West (UK Parliament constituency)|Bristol North West]] [[Michael Stern (politician)|Michael Stern]], who asked why British Rail was not willing to publicise the line and protect the frequency of services. [[Cecil Parkinson]] MP, then-[[Secretary of State for Transport]], replied that the line was using "out-of-date, worn-out rolling stock" due to late deliveries from manufacturers, and that British Rail would not encourage people to use it until there was a better service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm198990/cmhansrd/1990-10-22/Orals-1.html|title=THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES - OFFICIAL REPORT IN THE THIRD SESSION OF THE FIFTIETH PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND, SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 178 SEVENTEENTH VOLUME OF SESSION 1989-90|accessdate=28 July 2012|date=22 October 1990|publisher=[[Parliament of the United Kingdom]]}}</ref> In 1995, an hourly timetable was introduced for peak times, but services terminated at Avonmouth so that a single [[British Rail Sprinter|''Sprinter'']] unit could work the service. There was a better service on Saturdays as more rolling stock was available,<ref name="maggs21">{{cite book|title=Rail Centres: Bristol (#21)|author=Maggs, Colin G|year=2008|origyear=First published 1981|publisher=Booklaw Publications|location=[[Nottingham]]|edition=3rd|pages=41-42|isbn=1-901945-30-8}}</ref> but there was no Sunday service.<ref name="difference"/> Talk arose again of the line being closed completely.<ref name="difference"/> Local tourism expert Bernard Lane described the line's state as
<blockquote>... the line the railway wished was not there. It was the line that got bus substitution whenever they were short of trains or queues, when a rugby match in Cardiff needed a special. It has a problem in that the route is slow and not very direct; for years it was invisible, short of marketing and lacking a regular interval timetable.<ref name="nytbl"/></blockquote>

=== Post-privatisation ===

When the railway was [[Privatisation of British Rail|privatised]] in 1997, local services were franchised to [[Wales and West]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/special_report/1999/11/99/track_record/regions/west_southwest.stm|title=Track record: West and South-West|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]|date=November 1999|accessdate=9 June 2012|author=Frith, Malcolm}}</ref> which was succeeded by [[Wessex Trains]], an arm of [[National Express]], in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walesandwest.co.uk/|title=Wales and West|publisher=[[Wales and West]]|accessdate=9 June 2012}}</ref> Following action by [[Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways|Friends of Severn Beach Railway]] (FOSBR, later renamed Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways) and a string of protests, services had increased to 10 per day in each direction by 2005,<ref name="Oakley">{{cite book|title=Bristol Railway Stations 1840–2005|publisher=[http://www.redcliffepress.co.uk Redcliffe Press]|author=Oakley, Mike|year=2006|isbn=1-904537-54-5}}</ref> with [[Bristol City Council]] paying a subsidy of £138,000 per annum to fund services.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4757154.stm|title=Lobby to save Severn Beach line|date=27 February 2006|accessdate=16 July 2012|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]}}</ref> A new subsidy agreement had been reached in 2003, following a threat that the end of subsidy would see services along the line halved.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/3288039.stm|title=Suburban rail cash boost|date=3 December 2003|accessdate=16 July 2012|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]}}</ref> However, even with the subsidy, the line still suffered to keep the rest of the network running. Mike Holmes, station manager for most of the line's stations, told the [[Bristol Evening Post]] that 

<blockquote>Before we put real effort into the Severn Beach line it was really the sacrificial lamb for other services. So if we needed a spare train, we would pull one off the line and cancel it, which was why punctuality and reliability was so poor. After the public campaign in 2006 we decided that we didn't want to take that to carry on any more.<ref name="subsidised">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/board-Bristol-s-subsidised-train-service/story-11269610-detail/story.html|title=On board Bristol's subsidised train service|date=3 January 2009|accessdate=16 July 2012|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]}}</ref></blockquote>

Protesters would chant "The Severn Beach is a mighty fine line; Clean and friendly and sometimes on time."<ref name="insideout"/>

The Wessex franchise was amalgamated with the Great Western franchise into the Greater Western franchise from 2006, and responsibility passed to [[First Great Western]], a subsidiary company of [[First Group]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theironroad.net/Operator/Train-Operating-Companies/Wessex-Trains/|title=Wessex Trains |work=The Iron Road: Railway Photography by Scott Borthwick|accessdate=29 Septemnber 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4523592.stm|title=FirstGroup wins rail franchises|date=13 December 2005|accessdate=27 April 2012|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]}}</ref><ref name="bids">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13351368|title=First Great Western bids for longer rail franchise deal|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]|date=11 May 2011|accessdate=27 April 2012}}</ref> with a 1-hour minimum service requirement written into the new franchise agreement.<ref name="difference"/> In 2007, the council agreed to subsidise a service of at least one train every 45mins in each direction along the line,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/6990899.stm|title=Beach rail service to be revamped|date=12 September 2007|accessdate=16 July 2012|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]}}</ref> unanimously agreeing to pay £450,000 per annum to fund extra services from May 2008 for three years, which resulted in a 60% increase in passenger numbers along the line,<ref name="difference">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/FRIENDS-MAKING-RAIL-DIFFERENCE/story-11231595-detail/story.html|title=Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways making rail difference|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|date=25 September 2010|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="picnic">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Campaigners-picnic-marks-rail-launch/story-11273781-detail/story.html|title=Campaigners' picnic marks rail launch|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|date=17 July 2010|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> and a 25% year-on-year increase between June 2009 and June 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Campaigners-quick-railway-action/story-11297976-detail/story.html|title=Campaigners call for quick railway action|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|date=15 September 2010|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> Sunday services to Severn Beach were restored in 2010,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Sunday-service-puts-smiles-faces-rail-enthusiasts/story-11245243-detail/story.html|title=Sunday service puts smiles on faces of rail enthusiasts|date=24 May 2010|accessdate=16 July 2012|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]}}</ref> funded by [[South Gloucestershire]] Council.<ref name="ITT"/> The line was designated a community rail service in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7326180.stm|title=Community engagement in rail line|date=2 April 2009|accessdate=16 July 2012|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]}}</ref>

The council subsidy was halved in 2011 at the end of the three-year deal, with the council stating that with the large increase in passenger numbers, such a large subsidy was no longer necessary.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-12786340|title=Bristol's Severn Beach rail line subsidy is halved|date=19 March 2011|accessdate=16 July 2012|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]}}</ref> Local groups, including FOSBR and the [[Green Party of England and Wales|Green Party]] claimed that services became less reliable following the cut, but First Great Western and the council stated that reliability problems were not due to the cut in subsidy, but instead due to breakdowns and track maintenance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-15450340|title=Bristol's Severn Beach rail line 'less reliable'|date=25 October 2011|accessdate=16 July 2012|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]}}</ref> The council subsidies, for both increased services and Sunday services, are due to be replaced by national funding in 2015.<ref name="ITT"/> An additional evening service was agreed in February 2012, to start in September 2012, after protests about a 100-minute gap in the timetable.<ref name="more">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/trains-evening/story-14154762-detail/story.html|title='More trains in Evening'|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[[The Post, Bristol]]|date=16 December 2011|accessdate=30 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/About-Us/Media-centre/Additional-Services-for-Severn-Beach-Line-Announced|title=Additional services for Severn Beach Line announced |publisher=[[First Great Western]]|accessdate=30 July 2012}}</ref>

== Future ==
[[File:Greater Western Franchise Bidders 2.jpg|thumb|right|Four bidders pre-qualified for the 2013– Greater Western passenger franchise: clockwise from top left, [[Deutsche Bahn]], [[First Group]], [[Stagecoach Group]] and [[National Express]].]]
First Great Western declined an option to continue the Greater Western passenger franchise (of which services along the Severn Beach Line are a part) beyond 2013, citing a desire for a longer-term contract due to the [[21st century modernisation of the Great Western Main Line|impending upgrade to the Great Western Main Line]].<ref name="bids">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-13351368|title=First Great Western bids for longer rail franchise deal|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]|date=11 May 2011|accessdate=27 April 2012}}</ref> The franchise was [[Request for tender|put out to tender]], and it was announced in March 2012 that [[Deutsche Bahn]], [[First Group]], [[National Express]] and [[Stagecoach Group|Stagecoach]] had pre-qualified. The winner was expected to be announced in December 2012, with the new franchisee taking over in April 2013;<ref name="Rail694">{{cite journal|title=First leads a field of seven bidding for rail franchises|author=Haigh, Philip|journal=[[RAIL magazine]]|publisher=[[Bauer Media]]|date=18 April 2012|pages=8–9|issue=694|location=Peterborough}}</ref> however, it was announced in July 2012 that the franchise would be extended due to the late issue of the [[Invitation to Tender]] (ITT).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2012/07/19-great-western-franchise-to-be.html|title=Great Western franchise to be extended|date=19 July 2012|accessdate=19 July 2012|work=[http://http://www.railnews.co.uk Railnews]}}</ref> The ITT was eventually released at the end of July,<ref name="ITT">{{cite press release |title=New Great Western franchise to deliver new express trains |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120727a/ |publisher=[[Department for Transport]] |date=27 July 2012 |accessdate=29 July 2012}}</ref> but the process was halted and later scrapped due to the fallout from the [[InterCity_West_Coast#2012_franchise_process|collapse of the InterCity West Coast]] franchise competition. Transport Secretary [[Patrick McLoughlin]] MP stated that he would aim to negotiate an agreement to extend the current First Great Western for at least two years.<ref name="scrapped">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21272542|title=Great Western London to south Wales rail contest scrapped|date=31 January 2013|accessdate=31 January 2013|publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> The ITT also states that the funding for increased frequency and Sunday services to Severn Beach is due to move from local to national sources in 2015.<ref name="ITT"/>

With the coming upgrade to the Great Western Main Line, the main line from London to Bristol is due to be electrified by 2016.<ref name="vision">{{cite web|url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/uploadedFiles/networkrailcouk/Contents/Improvements/The_Great_Western/WesternVision.pdf|title=Modernising the Great Western|publisher=[[Network Rail]]|accessdate=9 June 2012}}</ref> However, the electrification will not extend beyond the main lines, so the Severn Beach Line will continue to be served by diesel trains.<ref name="Bristol to London">{{cite news |url= http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Bristol-London-line-electrified/story-11312089-detail/story.html |title=Bristol to London line to be electrified |work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol] |publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]] |date=23 July 2009 |accessdate=5 April 2012}}</ref> [[Stephen Williams (politician)|Stephen Williams]], [[Member of Parliament|MP]] for [[Bristol West]], questioned whether electrification could continue to {{rws|Clifton Down}}. Then-[[Secretary of State for Transport]] [[Philip Hammond]] MP replied that it would have to be looked at in the future.<ref name="benefits">{{cite news |url= http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Rail-benefits-just-mainline/story-11304651-detail/story.html |title=Benefits of Bristol to London high-speed rail link 'must go beyond just mainline'|date=3 March 2011 |accessdate=5 April 2012 |work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol] |publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]}}</ref> [[Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways]] (FOSBR) supports the electrification of the entire Severn Beach Line.<ref name="FoSBR11">{{cite web |url= http://fosbr.org.uk/files/newsletter/11autumn.pdf |title=FoSBR Newsletter |issue=78 |publisher= [[Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways]] |date=Autumn 2011 |accessdate=9 April 2012}}</ref>

Improved services along the line are called for as part of the [[Greater Bristol Metro]] scheme, a rail transport plan which aims to enhance transport capacity in the Bristol area.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.westofengland.org/media/98508/item%2004%20greater%20bristol%20metro%2013%20march%202009.pdf |title=Item 04: Greater Bristol Metro |first=James |last=White |publisher= West of England Partnership |date=13 March 2009 |accessdate=28 December 2011}}</ref><ref name="campaign">{{cite news |url= http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Campaign-trains-Bristol-Temple-Meads-half-hour/story-14446079-detail/story.html |title=Campaign for trains from Bristol Temple Meads every half hour |work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol] |publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]] |date=17 January 2012 |accessdate=19 January 2012}}</ref> There is an aspiration for half-hourly services, however due to the large sections of single-track and the congested main line from Temple Meads, such frequency is not currently feasible.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Transport-Minister-hears-calls-better-Bristol-train-service/story-11271683-detail/story.html|title=Transport Minister hears calls for better Bristol train service|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|date=17 October 2009|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> However, it is expected that with the four-tracking of [[Filton Bank]], including the Severn Beach Line between Temple Meads and [[Narroways Hill Junction]], that there will be sufficient capacity to allow half-hourly services.<ref name="green">{{cite news|url= http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Green-light-long-awaited-rail-improvements/story-16547255-detail/story.html|title= Green light for long-awaited rail improvements|date=17 July 2012|accessdate=18 July 2012|work=[[Bristol Evening Post]]|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]}}</ref> The Invitation to Tender for the new Greater Western franchise asks bidders to include costs for two trains per hour each direction on the Severn Beach Line, one between Severn Beach and {{rws|Portishead}}, the other between Severn Beach and {{rws|Bath Spa}}, both calling at all stations. These services are to run from December 2017, operating 18 hours a day Monday-Saturday and 9 hours a day on Sundays.<ref name="priced">{{cite journal|journal=[[RAIL (magazine)|RAIL]]|author=Haigh, Philip|date=8 August 2012|title=Great Western priced options|pages=p9|volume=702}}</ref>

The metro plan also calls for the reopening of the [[Henbury Loop Line]], which could allow a service from Temple Meads to {{rws|Bristol Parkway}} via the Severn Beach Line.<ref name="ourcase">{{cite web|url=http://fosbr.org.uk/ourcase|title=Our Case|publisher=[[Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways]]|accessdate=15 April 2012}}</ref> The metro scheme was given the go-ahead in July 2012 as part of the City Deal, whereby local councils would be given greater control over money by the government, however it is as yet unclear which elements will be implemented.<ref name="metro">{{cite news|author=Ribbeck, Michael|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[[The Post, Bristol]]|date=6 July 2012|accessdate=6 July 2012|title=£100 million Bristol Metro train network by 2016|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/100-million-Bristol-Metro-train-network-2016/story-16492523-detail/story.html}}</ref> FOSBR and other local groups lodged concerns with the Department for Transport that the reopening of the Henbury Loop was not included in the ITT for the new Greater Western franchise.<ref name="concerns">{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-19270112|title=Great Western Rail franchise concerns raised|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]|date=16 August 2012|accessdate=16 August 2012}}</ref>

It has been proposed that a station be built to serve the [[Bristol Portway park and ride|A4 Portway Park & Ride scheme]]. Such a station would be situated between {{rws|Shirehampton}} and {{rws|Avonmouth}}, where the line runs alongside the Park & Ride. The plan is supported by FOSBR and the Bristol branch of the [[National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers]].<ref>{{cite web|series=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|author=[[Bristol Evening Post]]|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Railway-station-built-Portway-park-ride/article-610200-detail/article.html|title=Railway station could be built at Portway park and ride|work=Evening Post|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|date=13 January 2009|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="distortion">{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Council-leader-s-claim-distortion-facts/story-13034792-detail/story.html|title=Council leader's claim is a distortion of the facts|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|date=29 July 2011|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Soapbox-Severn-Beach-line/story-11313833-detail/story.html|title=Soapbox: Severn Beach Line|publisher=[[Northcliffe Media]]|work=[http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk This is Bristol]|date=30 December 2008|accessdate=14 April 2012}}</ref> The station is included in the Bristol Metro proposal.<ref name="campaign"/>

==See also==
*[[Rail transport in Bristol]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commonscat|Severn Beach Line}}
*http://www.severnbeachline.org - Severnside Community Rail Partnership's website for the line
*http://www.fosbr.org.uk/ - Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways.

{{Railway lines in South West England}}
{{Transport in Bristol}}

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[[:Category:Rail transport in Bristol]]
[[:Category:Transport in South Gloucestershire]]
[[:Category:Railway lines opened in 1865]]
[[:Category:Railway lines in South West England]]
[[:Category:Standard gauge railways in England]]

[[pl:Severn Beach Line]]