First Great Western, a UK based railway company, has hailed the UK government’s decision to include the Western section of East West Rail (EWR) in a strategy for transport.
The company managing director, Mark Hopwood, said, ‘Re-opening of the East West route provides some really exciting opportunities for First Great Western Customers. It opens up the potential to not just link Oxford and Milton Keynes but to develop other links from places like Bristol and Reading.
We look forward to working with our partners to develop the line and the possible train service options. This is fantastic news for the towns and cities that the East West Rail will serve.’
The company has announced that being included in the government strategy will improve funding for the segment, which may be used for the electrification of the Oxford to Bedford section of the route.
The rail company has also announced that it is organising two special coaches to be attached to its train service running from Plymouth to Gunnislake in aid of two local charities, the Children’s Hospice South West and Dame Hannah Rogers. The trains, which will run on December 9 and 16, 2012, will be offering children gifts from Santa. Tickets for the special service are on offer at £6.00 for an Adult and £3.00 per child, or £15.00 for a family of four.
The company regional manager for West of England, Julian Crow, said, ‘First Great Western is committed to supporting the communities we serve and when Santa came to us looking to rest his reindeer before the big day, we were only too happy to offer a speedy and equally economic alternative.
Our helpful and friendly staff will assist the elves and allow more children to meet Father Christmas before he heads back to his workshop at the North Pole.’
