Great Western Railway (GWR) has welcomed the decision not to break up the current Great Western franchise and create a separate operator for the West of England.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling broke the news during a Transport Select Committee hearing on 24 July.
The proposals were included in a consultation document published in November 2017. The government suggested splitting up the franchise from 2022 and creating a new West of England franchise.
The current franchise was created in 2006 by combining the Great Western, Wessex and Thames Trains franchises.
A GWR spokesman said the operator relied on its current size to be able to deliver benefits for its passengers and the communities it serves.
“We welcome the early clarity on the future shape of the Great Western Railway franchise that Chris Grayling’s statement has given communities across the Great Western franchise.
“Much of what we have been able to deliver for the customers in the region has been delivered by working together with communities across the network, with a mix of operational flexibility, long-term investment and opportunities for growth that relies on a train operator of our size to deliver.
“We look forward to seeing the results of the rest of the consultation.”
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