Why has Thornbury missed out on the Greater Bristol Metro Rail campaign to bring improved rail links with Bristol? South Gloucestershire is one of the four councils which have launched the initiative yet Thornbury is conspicuous by its absence from their proposals. Imagine reaching the centre of Bristol reliably in 30 or 40 minutes rather than 60 with a service every 30 minutes! Commuting into Bristol or Yate for employment would be easier and more enjoyable. Thornbury would be able to attract visitors from a far wider area. So why not do it?
Closed to passengers in 1944 and goods around 1966, the Thornbury branch line remains substantially intact and today continues to serve the quarry at Tytherington. A return to passenger traffic would require a comparatively modest capital outlay to improve signalling, upgrade a level crossing and construct a rudimentary station. One only has to look at the phenomenal success of the Severn Beach line to realise what might be achieved.
Are the costs considered too great or are the benefits too small to make the investment worthwhile? Or has South Gloucestershire decided yet again to kowtow to the BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anybody) tendency in Thornbury and leave the town in glorious isolation?
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