Using the Train
Using the Train
Where can I go by train from Ashchurch station?
Direct trains go from Ashchurch to Worcester, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol, Cardiff and many other places.
The timetable page of this website lists all the scheduled services from Ashchurch. You can also use the National Rail website or the website of the train operating companies. This link will allow you to check times and also inform you of any delays, http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=3
Why would I want to use the train when I can drive to my destination?
In many cases the train is more convenient because it allows you to concentrate on other things, such as work or socialising. It can also be cheaper, with free parking at Ashchurch, and quicker.
How long will my journey take?
The usual journey times from Ashchurch are
Cheltenham Spa 8 minutes
Gloucester 21 minutes
Worcester Shrub Hill 18 minutes
Birmingham New Street 40 minutes
Bristol Temple Meads, 1 h 10 minutes, with a change at Cheltenham.
London, 2h 40 minutes, changing at Birmingham, Cheltenham or Bristol Parkway.
Is it the train more expensive than driving?
It depends on where you are going and when. If driving you will need to consider the cost of fuel, wear and tear on the vehicle and parking.
There are essentially 3 types of fare.
Anytime, travel on any train and buy on the day,
Off-Peak, travel on any train at off-peak times and buy on the day.
Advance, buy before travel and use only on the specified train.
Most rail companies now operate a system of revenue management where cheaper tickets are available on the traditionally less busy trains, usually after 9.30 and before 15:30 Mondays to Fridays.
What improvements could be made to the timetable
We would like to see a minimum hourly service in both directions. There are options under the open access rules for any train operator to begin a new service, subject to track capacity. However it is more likely that existing services could be extended or amended. Here are some suggestions:
Arriva Trains Wales could extend the services that run from Maesteg to Cheltenham.
Cross Country currently have three trains an hour in each direction passing through Ashchurch but only a handful stop. More, probably on the Cardiff to Nottingham line, could call at Ashchurch.
First Great Western could extend either their Swindon to Cheltenham service or the Westbury to Gloucester.
London Midland, could extend their Worcester to Birmingham Snow Hill service.
How many people travel by train from Ashchurch
Official figures, from the Office for Rail Regulation, state that 76, 386 people used the station in the 2012-13 financial year. Our estimate, based on counts at the station, is 123,000 for the 2013 calendar year. Previous estimates have also been above the official figures.