New station: Ashley Down opens for passengers
Today (28 September 2024), Ashley Down station in Bristol was opened and saw a return of passenger services to the area for the first time in 60 years. The new station was constructed on the same site that Ashley Hill occupied, a former railway station that fell victim to the Beeching Cuts in 1964.
It follows an investment by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority of over £300 million and the opening of Portway Park & Ride station in August 2023. Two more new stations — North Filton and Henbury — have also been planned.
The first train to stop at the station was the 07:33 service to Filton Abbey Wood on platform 1. The station has two platforms and is scheduled to receive an hourly service between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood. Other amenities include a footbridge with lift access, cycle storage for 20 bikes, and platform shelters.
In the run-up to the station's opening, Bristol City Council worked to create an accessible route to the entrance and designated two disabled parking bays. Landscaping work, including planting new trees, is set to take place this winter.
“If you give people easy access to good, reliable public transport, they will use it. Now 15,000 people in Lockleaze, Horfield, and Ashley Down will live closer to a railway station than they did yesterday.
“The new station looks fantastic, and I’m thrilled to have taken the first train to arrive there in 60 years. But this is only the beginning of our quiet rail revolution. Our Reverse Beeching programme is now in full swing, and we are moving on to plans to deliver stations North Filton and in Henbury next...
“Getting more people out of their cars and onto trains is vital to building the better, more sustainable transport system we all want to see.”
Dan Norris, Mayor of Bristol
"...Ashley Down has been a huge success story throughout its construction. Delivered with a spotless safety record, on time and on budget, it’s a real testament to the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes.
“It’s a clear demonstration of what we can achieve together and it’s another step forward in improving local rail travel options in the West of England. We look forward to welcoming the community to our new station.”
Marcus Jones, Western Route Director, Network Rail
