RAIL passengers can look forward to faster trains with more seats as part of ongoing electrification works between Reading and Newbury.

Next week will see the second phase of the project carried out by Network Rail, which will allow Great Western Railway (GWR) to run new Electrostar trains directly to London.

As a result, the railway line will be closed on selected dates through the year and the next stage runs from April 23 to 26.

Replacement bus services will replace trains from stations between Pewsey and Theale, although services between Reading and Theale will not be affected.

Mark Hopwood, GWR managing director, said: “With the completion of electrification work we will be able to run brand new electric, and bi-mode intercity express trains, to Newbury, supporting the local economy with more train seats, more comfortable and more frequent journeys.

“In order to achieve this, Network Rail will need to undertake a significant programme of upgrade works.

“We have worked hard to ensure we have produced a train and bus service that supports the local economy, while also allowing Network Rail the vital access it needs to the railway to electrify the route.”

Newer and more modern trains have seen GWR deliver 10 per cent more train seats at the busiest time of the morning into and out of London Paddington, compared to January 2017.

It is hoped that the project will be completed by 2019 and result in a significant boost for local economies.

Mark Langman, Network Rail route managing director, added: “This will provide a better service for passengers travelling in Berkshire, across the Thames Valley and west London.

“We are working very hard with GWR to minimise disruption to passengers while we deliver electrification to Newbury.

"Owing to the scale of the work we will be doing this over periods of several days.

“I thank the communities in Newbury and across Berkshire for their patience in advance of the upgrade starting.”

Visit: gwr.com/newbury2018 for further travel advice and notice of further disruptions to routes.