A crucial part of the West of England Combined Authority’s plans to decarbonise the transport network, MetroWest is an ambitious multi-year programme to transform rail services in Bristol and the surrounding West of England region, improving connectivity and enhancing the local economy.

MetroWest phase one is built around reinstating the line to Portishead, with phase two looking at introducing a passenger service and new stations on a rail line to Henbury. The Mayoral Combined Authority are working to deliver this systematic upgrade to the regions rail network in partnership with Network Rail and local councils. We anticipate seven new stations and five new or enhanced rail services for the region by 2028.

What the Mayoral Combined Authority has done already

Sign reading

Opening Portway Park & Ride

The first of the new stations in the programme, Portway Park & Ride Station, opened in August 2023. Construction began on the next new railway station in the programme at Ashley Down in March 2023. It opened in September 2024.

Train at platform

More frequent train services

Half hourly services on the Severn Beach, Westbury and Gloucester lines out of Bristol Temple Meads have been funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. This means for example more frequent services at Portway Park & Ride, Westbury and Yate.

See map of new and proposed stations

What the Mayoral Combined Authority is working on

Image of 4 people, including the Mayor, holding up a giant train ticket for Portishead station

Opening stations at Pill and Portishead

The long-awaited return of the Bristol & Portishead line was given the official green light by the Department for Transport on 8 July 2025. The final £27.6million has been approved to re-open the line in 2028 and build new stations at Portishead and Pill. This paves the way to mobilise in autumn 2025 to start work in spring/summer 2026. The reopening of the line, which was closed in the 1960s, will slash travel times in half and reduce car commuting. The two new stations will provide an hourly direct link into Bristol Temple Meads and connect more than 50,000 people to the railway network.

Train on track, bridge in background
Image credit: John Angerson

Planning for Charfield and North Filton

Planning applications for new MetroWest rail stations at Charfield and North Filton have been approved. Detailed design works are being progressed ahead of Full Business Case submissions in 2025. Preparatory works at Charfield station, to make way for the main bulk of the construction work, are starting in February 2025. Charfield is expected to open in 2027 and North Filton by 2027.