New ticket machines and extra services at Redland, Montpelier and Clifton Down railway stations

Bristol City Council and First Great Western have agreed a new deal for the Severn Beach Line - which runs through Montpelier, Redland and Clifton Down.

The new contract will contain an important improvement to the Sunday service. The 18:53 from Temple Meads to Severn Beach and the 19:43 from Severn Beach to Temple Meads presently operate in the summer months only. They will now operate throughout the year. Since 2008 Bristol City Council has invested £400,000 per year into providing a more frequent service on the Severn Beach Line including trains on Sundays. The new contract reduces this amount to just over £200,000 even though the services level will be higher than previously. The new contract will run from 21 May 2011 until 31 March 2013 when the current FGW franchise terminates. 

Passenger journeys on the Severn Beach Line have increased by 80 per cent over the last four years. This spectacular passenger growth is great news, but it has led to difficulties for passengers trying to buy tickets on busy trains, particularly if they are making short journeys. Passengers arriving at Bristol Temple Meads without tickets are often faced with queueing to pay their fare. To address the difficulties facing passengers, new ticket machines have been installed at Montpelier, Redland and Clifton Down stations with funding provided by the City Council. The machines will enable passengers travelling in the direction of Temple Meads to buy tickets before boarding their train. Payment is by cash only given the relatively low fare values and the need to avoid creating queues by accepting card payments.  And be warned there will also be more ticket inspectors.

The following inner - zone tickets will be available from the new machines.:

Weekly season ticket £6

Adult single £1.50

Adult return £2

Child/ Railcard Single 75p

Child/ Railcard Return £1