TRAIN users should benefit from one of biggest timetable shake ups on the network since the 1970s, bringing faster trips between Hereford and London.

Almost 20 minutes will be shaved off the fastest journey from London Paddington and Hereford, bringing the time down to 2 hours 50 minutes.

Average journey times between the two cities will be around three hours as a more consistent service pattern is put into place from from December 15.

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Herefordshire Council is optimistic the improvements will bring more visitors to the city and say it will continue to promote sustainable transport.

“It is pleasing to see the new railway timetable which will deliver faster journey times and more frequent services,” a spokesperson said.

“This will improve the county’s connectivity with key regions, boosting opportunities for economic development, and allowing more visitors to enjoy Herefordshire,” a spokesperson said.

“The council recently declared a climate emergency and we are working to promote sustainable means of transport, which are better for the environment and improve physical and mental wellbeing.

“Public transport is a key component of a healthy, effective and sustainable transport network, so improved rail links are a welcome development.”

The new intercity express trains for Great Western Railway will take advantage of recent infrastructure improvements, meaning services can run faster.

Managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare to implement the biggest timetable change on this network since 1976, enabling us to take advantage of the full benefits that new Intercity Express Trains are bringing.

“In providing more frequent and quicker journeys, our new timetable will for the vast majority of users quite literally mean ‘all change please’ and we are pleased the new timetable has been published.”

More information is available at gwr.com.