An application has been made by Grand Union Trains (GUT) for the right to operate a new intercity train service between Carmarthen and London Paddington.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is currently considering the application, which is for five return services each day and includes a commitment to build a new ‘parkway’ station at Felindre, north of Swansea. In February last year, the ORR rejected a proposal by Grand Union to operate a Cardiff to Paddington service.

It is planned to operate services with new bi-mode trains that can operate from electric or diesel power. Journey times between Carmarthen, Llanelli, Cardiff and London will be reduced by around 20 minutes.

The proposal envisages significant investment to deliver the service, which is being made possible by Grand Union’s link-up with Serena Industrial Partners. Serena is a European independent investment company that is committed to developing sustainable infrastructures in the UK.

Carriages for the new service will feature high-quality design, with improved onboard comfort including bigger seats, more legroom, and increased luggage space, and every service will have a buffet car.

The project promoters have proposed that Spanish railway operator Renfe becomes a strategic partner in the project to take advantage of its over 80 years of experience in Spanish railways.

Proposals for the new service include;

• five return services each day between Carmarthen and London Paddington;
• a new parkway station to be built at Felindre, next to the M4 north of Swansea;
• upgraded facilities and improved access at Severn Tunnel Junction station;
• reduced journey times;
• high-quality offering with improved on-board comfort;
• over 125 new jobs created; the majority in Wales.

Ian Yeowart, managing director of Grand Union Trains, stated: “We have been pleased to work on promoting this important service which will, for the first time, deliver significant new infrastructure as part of the application process. Our high-quality offer will undoubtedly improve the user’s experience while using the UK rail network, a worldwide rail reference that continues to evolve every day. For this goal, we have been proud to work alongside colleagues at Serena and Renfe whose vision for improved services is close to our own and has enabled us to put forward this ambitious project to the ORR.”

Joaquin Camacho, Founding Partner of Serena, stated: “Serena aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure in the United Kingdom. This is a perfect example of our purpose and spirit, which will provide an important mobility solution responding effectively to the climate challenge, while reducing journey times and providing a high-quality service alternative to the existing services on the route to South Wales. This proposal addresses current social, economic, and environmental needs by providing jobs and increasing the usage of the UK’s rail network.”

Renfe officials added: “Throughout the years, Renfe has established a reputation for excellence in rail operations in Spain and around the world. We are now proud to be supporting Grand Union Trains for the development of this new service, that will connect Wales with London with customers at the centre of the service. We look forward to bringing our unique experience to the project as well as future opportunities in the UK.”