A NEW passenger group is being formed in Swindon to give rail users a voice to communicate with the train companies.

It is being set up as part of the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership, an organisation which works to promote the line from Swindon to Westbury and report feedback to the companies.

Last week it was announced that Wiltshire Council was to provide funding for First Great Western to increase the services between Swindon and Westbury from twice a day to eight times.

Those subsidies will only last until the franchise comes up for tender, and the new group is looking to firstly make people aware of the service but also show that it is financially viable for whichever company takes over the line two years from now.

Graham Ellis, of the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership, says because Swindon is such a large station it would be useful for passengers to have a way of communicating directly with the rail companies.

He said: “As far as we are aware there are no other such passenger groups in the town.

“We want a Swindon station group to not only make people aware of the increase in services starting in December but also so we have an avenue to pass feedback to the train companies.

“The focus will be on the Westbury train initially but we have enough good contacts within First Great Western that we can approach them on all lines.”

The timetable for the extra trains is currently being set up and is due to start early in December.

“It will make such a big difference, which is why it is so important to promote it,” said Graham.

“It could cut down the travel time for people coming from Melksham and Trowbridge significantly. As it stands there are about 20 people a day using Melksham and even if usage goes up to half of the quietest station already in the county, there could be around 700 now using it.

“There is so much for people to do in Swindon which is within walking distance I think the demand will be great.”

One of the main organisers of the Swindon Group is Bob Morrison, 52, who lives in the town centre.

He said: “I’m self-employed and use the railways quite a lot. Despite being one of the main stations in the county, there is nothing in Swindon for passengers.

“While we are a pressure group we will be working closely with FGW.”

A meeting for any group or individual who is looking to be part of the group is taking place tomorrow at 7pm at the GW Hotel, opposite the train station.