Direct train services between Swindon and Birmingham via Kemble could become a reality with the development of the Midlands Rail Hub.

The development of the Midlands Rail Hub will benefit travellers in the West Midlands, South Wales and southwest England. The possibility of direct train services was discussed at a recent meeting held at Kemble railway station between representatives from Midlands Connect, the Liberal Democrat MP for the South Cotswolds, Roz Savage, Cllr Joe Harris, the Cabinet Member for Highways at Gloucestershire County Council, Great Western Railway, and James White, the Technical Lead for the Western Gateway sub-national transport body.

The meeting suggested that Kemble could benefit from up to 130 extra trains per week with a new hourly service between Swindon and Birmingham; passengers travelling from Kemble to Birmingham currently have to change trains at Gloucester.

Midlands Rail Hub is a £1.75bn project that will deliver faster, better, and more frequent connections across the region and, ultimately, could create 12,750 jobs. It is also in line with evidence from Transport Focus, which highlights the attraction of direct train services for people to travel by rail.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced funding for the project in her recent spending review, and it also featured in the government’s recent 10-year infrastructure strategy.

Preferred alliance partners for the scheme include VolkerRail, Laing O’Rourke, AtkinsRéalis, Siemens Mobility, and Network Rail.

Andy Clark, Rail Programme Lead at Midlands Connect, commented that this would be a real boost for passengers. The Midlands Rail Hub is the flagship scheme of Midlands Connect, and residents, commuters and businesses in Kemble and Gloucestershire will see real benefits of more trains and more seats.

Cllr Joe Harris, cabinet member for highways at Gloucestershire County Council, added that a direct rail service from Kemble would be a real game-changer for people in the South Cotswolds. It means faster, more convenient journeys for residents, commuters and visitors, without the need to change trains at Cheltenham or Gloucester. Better connectivity is vital for Gloucestershire’s future, and the Midlands Rail Hub is a big step towards achieving that.

“It was fantastic to meet the Midlands Rail Hub team at Kemble Station to discuss the potentially huge boost coming to our local rail services, including up to 130 extra trains a week. Transport links have long been a challenge for the South Cotswolds, so this investment is genuinely welcome news for residents, businesses and our wider local economy.”

Roz Savage, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Cotswolds