Melksham’s trains and buses have been running almost to their normal timetables through this lockdown, and they look forward to welcoming passengers travelling to school back from 8th March.
Melksham Rail User Group (MRUG; www. mrug. org.uk) say, “A big thank you to GWR, Faresaver and Frome Bus for continuing to run their services, and to the key workers and people on essential services who have been using those services.
“Our passenger numbers are very much down on this time last year, but much less so here in Melksham than elsewhere; that’s because our train and bus services have become a key part of our town’s economy in recent years.”
Graham Ellis, vice chair of Melksham Rail User Group (MRUG) said, “It’s been very strange asking people not to use the train or bus and we look forward welcoming people back for optional travel in a few weeks’ time.
“With the extra measures taken in distancing, masks and clearing on trains and buses, they remain very much a safe way to travel. There was some concern early on, with transport advice based on caution, but new data is re-assuring.”
* From 29th March (at the earliest), lockdown is ended. People will be allowed to travel by train and bus again. You’ll be advised to remain somewhat local and not be able to stay away.
* From 12th April (at the earliest), you’ll be able to travel further and stay away in accommodation such as self catering places.
* From 17th May (at the earliest), international travel may be possible and more accommodation and destination attractions can re-open.
* From 21st June (at the earliest), most remaining restrictions should be removed. You will still be required to wear a mask on public transport, and to socially distance.
The group continues, “Live train times from Melksham are always online on the MRUG web site at http://melksh.am/trains, with a link to current timetables and other news, and Melksham Rail User Group meets online on 19th March – details also on the website.
“We look forward to seeing you soon – perhaps in April on the bus to Bath or train to Swindon, or venturing further afield in the early summer.”
The Melksham Rail User Group is a “Station Friends” member of the Community Rail Network – the official national body for community rail.