A new station is set to be opened by Mark Harper today, 31st July 2023, benefitting passengers in Bristol as well as local businesses.

Avonmouth’s Portway Park and Ride station, which is a result of a multi-million-pound backing from both central and local government funding, is the the first railway station to open in Bristol in nearly 100 years.

Regular services from Great Western Railway, which will manage the station, are set to run seven days a week on the Severn Beach line, with direct trains to Bristol taking just 24 minutes.

The new station is Britain’s 2,577th station and follows on from the new Marsh Barton station that opened earlier this month.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Today’s opening of Portway Park and Ride Station is the latest example of this Government’s plan to invest in infrastructure and grow the economy.

“It will provide a boost to Bristol and its surrounding area by improving local transport links while connecting passengers to business hubs and thousands of high-skilled job opportunities.”

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “I am incredibly proud and delighted to open Bristol’s first railway station in 96 years. Portway Park & Ride station will offer local people and commuters an efficient and sustainable travel option. Having boosted the number of free parking spaces at our park and ride site, it offers commuters more options to park up and catch a train or the bus.

“Completion of the railway station highlights our commitment to developing modern and accessible travel solutions. As we look towards a future of improved connectivity through a mass transit system, Portway Park & Ride is a key step on our journey towards a better connected Bristol and South West.

“We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our project partners and eagerly anticipate the positive impact this station will have on our city.”

Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western route director, said: “This announcement marks an important milestone in our efforts to transform rail travel for our passengers in and around Bristol and the wider West of England area.

“I’d like to thank our partners in the project – Bristol City Council, the West of England Combined Authority and GWR – for their hard work and dedication in bringing this new station to the city. We hope that passengers from Bristol and beyond will experience the benefits that this new station will bring for years to come.”

Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Passengers are pleased that the new Portway Park and Ride Railway Station is opening – the first new station built in this incredible city since the Roaring Twenties.

“Delivering for local people is what our multi-million-pound Reverse Beeching programme is all about.

“This is undoubtedly a good day for Bristolians and the West of England region, and I’m proud it’s been made possible by a substantial £3 million-plus investment from my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

“But this is just the beginning. We need to press ahead with work to give even more residents access to new stations as we strive to meet our ambitious West of England net-zero-by-2030 targets.”

Joe Graham, Business Assurance and Strategy Director at Great Western Railway, said: “We are delighted that services will be operating from the new Portway Park & Ride station. It will offer customers regular trains to and from Bristol Temple Meads twice an hour with a journey time of 25 minutes.

“Situated alongside the M5, this new station will provide a great alternative for those travelling into Bristol city centre or wanting to connect with the wider rail network.”