RAIL passengers can expect more of a say on how their services are run after the TransWilts line was designated as a community rail service.

Community groups and passengers will now have more input over the design and operation of services under the new rail plan announced by Rail Minister Paul Maynard.

This will allow the community to work with Great Western Railway to design train services according to local needs on the 32-mile route between Swindon and Westbury. The aim is to increase passenger numbers, improve connectivity to key and boost the local economy.

GWR will continue to operate passenger services, but it will be with the support of the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership, which is made up of local organisations, train operators, Wiltshire Council, rail users and other interest groups.

The partnership will have direct input in securing better services and station facilities for customers, including Chippenham and Melksham stations, which also fall under the proposals.

Mr Maynard said: “Designating the line as a community rail service will breathe new life into this route and ensure its long term future. Improved connections between Swindon and Westbury mean better journeys for customers and a boost for the local economy.”

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “Community rail provides some of our fastest growing and most reliable services, and customer growth our TransWilts services has been exceptional.

“Building on the six new TransWilts services launched in December 2013, we were very pleased to introduce a further two services in May working in partnership with Wiltshire Council and the TransWilts Community Rail Partnership.

“I know they will continue to go from strength to strength following the decision to designate the line and I offer my sincere congratulations to all involved.”

Community Rail Partnerships are made up of local councils, train operators and community groups including volunteers, to decide how lines should be run.

Paul Johnson, chairman of TransWilts, said: “We are delighted to achieve our service designation which recognises the efforts and support of our local members and volunteers in establishing improved local services.

“Since our service was established in December 2013, passenger numbers have grown rapidly and we have reached our five year target in just two years.

“The designation is important because it formalises the status of TransWilts and gives us access to some additional support, including funding. An early priority for us will be to see how our designation can help us improve the coordination between local bus and rail services along our route.”

At the same time, the Government has decided to incorporate the additional services initially funded by Wiltshire Council since December 2013 into the Great Western franchise.

Infrastructure such as track and signalling will remain under the authority of Network Rail, ensuring that freight operations will not be affected.