Grand Union Trains unveils plans for new passenger service linking Marchwood with Southampton and London Waterloo
A NEW rail service linking Marchwood with London could be introduced next year, creating 80 jobs.
The proposals, by Grand Union Trains, would see the village’s station reopened to passengers, and hourly trains to Southampton.
If approved by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the route could be operational by September 2026, running under GUT’s Alliance Rail banner. Marchwood station has been shut since 1966
The company says if it is successful, it would look to reopen other parts of the Waterside Line in a “phased approached” to its development.
As reported in the A&T, last year plans to reinstate the passenger line between Totton, Marchwood and Hythe, with the potential to carry on to Fawley, was scrapped by Network Rail following a raft of government cuts. This included the Restoring Our Railways Scheme, saving £85m.
Totton and Marchwood Lib Dem councillor David Harrison, who has long championed the return of the railway, welcomed the proposals.
He told the A&T: "I have heard conflicting opinions on whether this new venture will get the green light. I really hope it does. There is very strong support for the return of a railway passenger service up and down the Waterside.
“It would also greatly improve services from Totton. With constant problems on local roads causing traffic congestion and now, the ferry out of operation, it would be a great opportunity to provide people with an alternative".
Grand Union Trains says a suitable fleet of trains has been identified to operate the service, with a lease agreed. It is also in discussions with ABP about maintaining the fleet at Marchwood, which would create 80 new jobs.
The proposed route would take trains from Marchwood, through Totton, Southampton Central, Southampton Airport Parkway, Eastleigh, Basingstoke and Hook, ending at London Waterloo.
Marchwood to Southampton Central would take an estimated 16 minutes, while the trip to London Waterloo is expected to last about one hour and 40 minutes.
A statement from the company says: “The service looks to build on the positive output from the recent Waterside Line Network Rail Study which cost the taxpayer £7m to produce. Government spending restrictions prevented the plan being taken forward.
“If approved, phase two of our project would see the line further upgraded to provide services onwards towards Fawley, with a new park-and-ride site proposed, possibly around the site of the previous Hardley Halt station.
“As well as around 80 new and permanent jobs, the introduction of this service will help in addressing the major road congestion that exists in the Waterside area, and we are keen to explore a more holistic transport offering with our bus and ferry colleagues to provide an integrated solution for local journeys.
“By offering a direct service to and from London we are also looking to attract visitors to the New Forest area via this route as opposed to just via Brockenhurst and believe this will significantly help in addressing the economic imbalance that currently exists.”
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