New GWR timetable comes into effect with changes across the South West

Great Western Railway’s (GWR) summer timetable comes into effect from today Sunday 18 May bringing several changes to services across the South West and beyond.

The changes form part of the twice yearly national timetable update and are now reflected in journey planners and online systems including GWR.com and National Rail Enquiries.

Passengers are being urged to check for updates before travelling as some journey times may be adjusted.

As part of the new timetable there are significant updates to services between Cardiff and Penzance in response to a broader overhaul of CrossCountry’s timetable. GWR will now operate direct trains from Penzance to Exeter and separate services from Exeter to Cardiff with Taunton to Cardiff on Sundays. Cross platform changes will be available at Newton Abbot and Taunton.

Two additional weekday evening services have been introduced between Gatwick Airport and Reading at 2059 and 2201 to better align with international flight schedules. A third service the 2022 train from Reading to Shalford has also been extended to Gatwick Airport.

Mark Hopwood Managing Director of GWR said: “These changes form the first part of GWR’s long held ambition to better match train timetables with flight arrivals and departures.”

London Gatwick’s Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan Pollard said: “As we continue to grow as an airport it is pivotal that we work with partners such as GWR to invest in boosting sustainable transport options. GWR’s additional later services to Reading will further support an already vital service providing even better connectivity and sustainable options for passengers and staff travelling to and from London Gatwick.”

The Looe Valley Line in Cornwall will see connection times at Liskeard to and from Plymouth reduced by more than half on several services. The last weekday train from Looe will now depart at 2155 which is 18 minutes later than before.

Richard Burningham Manager of the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said: “Many thanks to GWR for making these changes to the Looe Valley Line timetable from May. We firmly believe the new service will encourage more people to take the train to and from Looe something that will benefit the town area and local businesses.”

A key Sunday service between Worcester and London Paddington will run with nine carriages instead of five to accommodate growing leisure travel demand.

Additional stops at Saltash have also been introduced in anticipation of roadworks affecting the Saltash road tunnels later this year.

Passengers are advised to check their journeys in advance via official channels to ensure they are aware of any changes to their usual routes.