Basingstoke MP, Maria Miller, travelled on the First Great Western train from Basingstoke to Bramley last week, to see the upgrading that has recently been carried out to the trains on the Basingstoke/Reading route. Maria met Claire Mann (Regional Manager East), John Murphy (Fleet Manager, Reading) and Carl Jones (Driver Manager, Reading), and heard from them about the changes that have been introduced.

The changes mean that there is now 22% more seating capacity on all trains on this line, and each train has three engines, so there is also greater reliability.

Maria said: “It is good news for passengers on this route that there is now more seating available, which will be particularly welcomed by commuters travelling at peak times. We need to see increased capacity on the main line into London as well, and this is something that is a key issue for the Borough Council’s Local Development Framework, which is now out for consultation.”

Maria added:”I was also pleased to hear that the new trains are more accessible for disabled people too, with each train carrying its own ramp, and more space available on board for wheelchair users. It is really important for disabled people to be able to get around, and I applaud First Great Western on giving this the priority it deserves.”