HALF-hourly rail services on lines in the West are set to continue permanently, after agreement with the Department for Transport.

Since the regional authority, in partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR), introduced more frequent services from Bristol Temple Meads to Westbury, Gloucester, and Severn Beach, there have been more than three-million extra train journeys undertaken, representing an 28 percent increase in people benefitting from the services.

There is a longer-term ambition of four trains per hour serving stations across the network, after the region secured a record £752-million investment for transport infrastructure improvements.

Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: “Half-hourly services between Westbury, Gloucester via Yate, Severn Beach, and Bristol Temple Meads are important for local commuters, giving people more options to travel on our growing regional rail network.

“Our new agreement to protect these regular services is welcome news for passengers across the West Country.

“As we build five new train stations, and look to increase the frequency of services across the board, this is another vote of confidence in the West of England.”

GWR Wales and West of England commercial development manager Hannah Shackleford said: "This is excellent news and we're delighted the Department for Transport has recognised the value these services bring by making them permanent.

"These aren't just trains, they're vital economic lifelines connecting communities and businesses across the region. The decision validates our belief that reliable rail services are essential for local and national growth.

"We've worked closely with the West of England Combined Authority to build a compelling case for these improvements, which will also ensure our new Charfield station, currently under construction, can be served."

Two new railway stations have opened in the region in recent years with five more being delivered as part of a wider £400-million regional investment.