Have your say on Gloucestershire’s Rail Strategy 

What is the strategy?

Our refreshed Gloucestershire Rail Strategy sets out a long-term vision for rail that supports economic growth, sustainable development and social connectivity across the county and wider region. 

Building on previous work undertaken through the GFirst Local Economic Partnership and supporting our Local Transport Plan (LTP), this strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap for transforming Gloucestershire's rail network into a modern, integrated, accessible and sustainable system. It positions rail as central to delivering economic growth, supporting new housing, improving connectivity, and achieving environmental goals across the County and wider region.

Our strategy has been built on our understanding of the role our county's rail network plays in the wider region. We want to maximise its potential to facilitate sustainable growth and meet the vision and outcomes of our LTP. Our rail vision is intended to guide the focus of our railway development and ensure that we can drive the fundamental aim of a healthier, greener and more connected Gloucestershire. 

Vision Statement:

"Our railways will bolster Gloucestershire's strategic location in the west of England, forming part of a fully integrated, accessible public transport network to connect our regional economic hubs, attractions and local places.

Everyone should have access to at least two trains every hour at their local station, which provide high-quality transport and community hubs with connections through and beyond our region." 

Who is rail for?

The strategy recognises that rail needs to work for all Gloucestershire's residents, commuters, businesses and visitors, including people who need accessible stations and services. Stations should also function as community assets and multimodal interchanges, with strong onward connections to the wider public transport and active travel networks.

What could the strategy deliver?

Proposed areas of action include:

• Improving train frequencies and connections to key destinations within Gloucestershire and beyond, taking advantage of rail investment pipelines in the West of England, West Midlands, Wales and Thames Valley;
• Pursuing infrastructure enhancements in our region and across the wider network to meet our timetable ambitions; 
• Improving station accessibility, facilities and passenger experience, setting out clear expectations of how our stations should function today and in the future; 
• Support the replacement of diesel traction and ageing rolling stock with modern, level-boarding bi-mode trains;
• Improve performance and resilience of our network through investment in renewals and safeguarding vital assets; 
• Supporting sustainable development by improving multi-modal interchange at stations. 

Have your say

We would like to hear from everyone with an interest in travelling around Gloucestershire.

The consultation will be open for six weeks, from Monday 19th October 2026 to Monday 30th November 2026. During this period, you can read the draft strategy and tell us:

• whether you support its vision and objectives;
• which actions are most important to you;
• whether the strategy reflects the needs of your community; and
• what changes or additions you think should be considered.

Link to strategy

Send your comments to ltp@gloucestershire.gov.uk

What happens next?

Once the engagement period has closed, the council will review the responses and consider whether changes should be made to the strategy. A brief report will summarise the feedback received and explain how it has informed the final document.

The final Rail Strategy will then be adopted.