Monday, July 21, 2025
The United Kingdom is taking a bold step toward revolutionising regional mobility with the proposed Bath and Wiltshire Metro project, a transformative initiative aimed at dramatically improving public transport access, frequency, and reliability across the region. Designed to supercharge local connectivity, the plan includes the development of new train stations, increased train services, and strategic infrastructure upgrades—delivering powerful benefits for commuters, communities, and the economy alike. By linking growing residential areas directly with sustainable rail options, the project promises to reduce road congestion, support green development, and create a more integrated and accessible transport ecosystem for Wiltshire and surrounding areas.
Revitalising Wiltshire’s Rail Network: Stakeholder Meeting Charts Bold Vision for Bath & Wiltshire Metro
A major push toward transforming public transport in the region was set in motion during the inaugural stakeholder meeting for the Bath & Wiltshire Metro, held on Monday, July 14 at Melksham Assembly Hall. With plans that promise to overhaul rail connectivity and accessibility across Wiltshire, the meeting marked a significant step toward building a more reliable, sustainable, and future-ready transportation network.
The initiative, championed by the transport advocacy group ConnectedCities, has put forward a visionary yet cost-effective proposal to modernise regional train services. The plan, estimated to cost between £20 million and £30 million, could introduce several new train stations, upgrade existing infrastructure, and increase the frequency of services to significantly enhance daily commuting and regional mobility.
Vision for a Metro-Connected Future
Presiding over the meeting was Brian Mathew, Member of Parliament for Melksham and Devizes, who also shared his thoughts with constituents through a public message. According to Mathew, the proposed improvements would help reconnect communities, boost economic development, and support housing growth by aligning urban expansion with modern transport systems.
Among the key proposals discussed were the creation of new train stations at Corsham and Devizes Parkway, both aimed at enhancing accessibility for surrounding communities. The plan also includes doubling the current train frequency at Melksham Railway Station from one to two trains per hour—offering more convenient and consistent options for daily travellers.
Delivering Change with Efficiency
Unlike other expensive rail projects in the South West, the Bath & Wiltshire Metro plan is designed to be economically efficient. ConnectedCities envisions achieving its goals through strategic and targeted upgrades, such as reopening disused platforms and reconfiguring existing rail junctions. These measures, according to the group, will allow for a high-frequency service model without the massive financial burden often associated with new rail builds.
If realised, the proposed metro system could deliver two trains per hour at minimum, and up to six trains per hour during peak service times—revolutionising the rail experience for Wiltshire residents. For comparison, current service levels are far more limited, often forcing commuters to rely on infrequent and unreliable transport links.
Early Infrastructure Momentum
While the full vision may take time to materialise, groundwork for the Bath & Wiltshire Metro is already underway. Infrastructure improvements across key parts of the network have quietly begun, laying the foundation for smoother and more robust rail operations. These early efforts signal a tangible commitment to improving regional transport and are expected to complement the broader metro development.
Stakeholders emphasised the importance of linking new housing developments directly with transport nodes, ensuring communities are built around accessible, sustainable travel. This approach would not only encourage greater public transport usage but also reduce road congestion and environmental impact.
Community-Led Transformation
A notable feature of the Bath & Wiltshire Metro initiative is its grassroots foundation. Driven by community interest groups such as ConnectedCities and supported by local representatives, the project is a reflection of growing public demand for better transportation solutions.
ConnectedCities has long advocated for more democratic and locally driven approaches to transport development, and this meeting served as a platform to align local stakeholders, government representatives, and residents around a shared vision.
MP Brian Mathew underscored the need for collaborative momentum, stating that community involvement and multi-stakeholder cooperation will be vital to bringing the vision to life. The Metro concept, he argued, is not just about trains—it’s about regional transformation, economic opportunity, and social inclusion.
The UK’s ambitious Bath and Wiltshire Metro project aims to revolutionise regional transport by boosting train frequency, adding new stations, and linking communities through sustainable rail infrastructure. This bold move supports economic growth and greener mobility across the region.
Looking Ahead
While the journey toward a fully operational Bath & Wiltshire Metro may span several years, this first stakeholder meeting marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of transportation in the region. With realistic budgets, strong community backing, and clear policy advocacy, the project stands as a rare opportunity to achieve meaningful progress in public transport without excessive expenditure.
If successfully implemented, the Metro could redefine how residents across Wiltshire connect to work, education, and leisure—setting a model for how regional rail systems can evolve sustainably and inclusively.
