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  • Great Western electrification

  • On schedule

    We're electrifying the Great Western railway to deliver more reliable, greener and quieter journeys for thousands of passengers.

     

    Electrifying the Great Western will improve one of Britain’s busiest and oldest railways, better connecting major towns and cities across southern England and South Wales. It will make journeys smoother and more comfortable for passengers as well as quieter for people living near the railway.


    Why electrify the railway?

  • More seats and faster journeys

    Electric trains have 20% more seats compared to diesel trains. Journey time savings can be made due to the superior braking systems, making journeys quicker, especially in urban areas where there are frequent stops.

    Better for the environment

    Electric trains perform better than diesel trains. They emit around 20-35% less carbon than diesel trains and there are zero emissions at the point of use. This helps improve air quality in pollution hot spots such as city centres and main line stations. Electric trains are also quieter and virtually silent when waiting at stations.
     

    Stimulate economic growth

    Electrification will help stimulate economic growth across the region by better connecting towns and cities. More trains with additional seats will better link people to jobs and services and help open up new opportunities for businesses.

    Reduce costs

    Electric trains are cheaper to operate than diesels. They require less maintenance and have lower energy costs. They are also lighter and do less damage to the track helping create a more reliable railway for passengers.