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<p>Capacity on the rail network in the Bristol area is currently restricted. The Agency
Agreement signed by the Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers sets out the limitations
that needed to be considered by bidders for the current Wales & Borders franchise
when they were developing their proposals in respect of English services. That restriction
was put in place because capacity is limited in the Bristol area and, as well as additional
services from Wales, local authorities in the Bristol area have been planning to upgrade
Bristol local services for many years.</p><p> </p><p>Upgrade works for the Bristol
area network are currently being developed through the Rail Network Enhancement Pipeline
process. Until these upgrade works are completed, it is not possible to allow bids
for unplanned additional train services.</p><p> </p><p>Given this background, bidders
for the Wales & Borders franchise were advised not to propose English services
on the route prior to completion of those works. That restriction continues in the
new Wales & Borders franchise which started last October.</p><p> </p><p>The new
franchise operator (Transport for Wales Rail Services) will have the ability to bid
for paths to Bristol during the life of the new 15-year franchise once any relevant
infrastructure works are completed.</p><p> </p>
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