A new modern speed record has been set for a train running between Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington of just 1 hour and 12 minutes. That compares to an average journey time at the moment of around 1 hour 44 minutes.
The record attempt was made last Tuesday when the service left Bristol Temple Meads at 6: 49 pm and arrived into London Paddington at 8: 01 pm to establish a post-speed restriction record between the two stations of just 72 minutes.
There have been faster trains in the past, but in 2008 safer driving practices and speed restrictions were introduced, so the Rail Performance Society (RPS) records fastest times in two categories – pre – 2008 and post – 2008.
Before the safety restrictions came in to effect, the fastest train had managed to do the run in just over 68 minutes, which was done in 1977.
Although last week’s speed test was to show off what could be done, they are planning to speed up the service for everyone from December.
When anew timetableis introduced, the fastest journey times between Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington will be cut to 1 hour 19 minutes – 17 minutes faster than is possible today. And journey times into London, non-stop from Bristol Parkway, will be cut to just 1 hour 8 minutes.
The faster service is due to railway upgrades and the introduction of the new Intercity Express Trains.
Guests and GWR colleagues celebrating the post-speed restriction record at London Paddington.
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