HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Separation of Wales and West Rail Franchises [September 2001]

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 13 September 2001.

The current Wales & West rail franchise is to be split into two managerial units, broadly covering its Welsh and English operations respectively, following agreement between the Strategic Rail Authority and National Express Group, owners of the franchise.

The Welsh services, along with the Valley Lines services, will be managed from Cardiff. They will operate under the ‘Wales & Borders’ branding.

The West Country services are to be managed from Exeter and will be operated under a ‘Wessex Trains’ branding. The ‘Wessex Trains’ HQ in Exeter is a new development, and staff are currently being recruited by National Express Group for positions there.

Passengers will begin to notice the new branding of services with the introduction of the Winter timetable on 30th September 2001.