Wessex Trains: Data & Information

Wessex Trains came into being on 14th October 2001 when the former Wales and West and Valley Lines franchises were reorganised. Wales and West Passenger Trains Ltd. took on the trading name of Wessex Trains and the operation of services in southwest England. Wessex Trains was the primary passenger rail operator in the South West of England. The company operated trains in the region bounded by Penzance, Cardiff, Gloucester, Worcester and Brighton.. The Cardiff Railway Company Ltd. changed its trading name from Valley Lines to Wales and Borders Trains and took on the running of most trains in Wales and the adjoining parts of England. Both franchises were owned by the National Express Group until Arriva took over a slightly modified Wales and Borders franchise in 2003. Wessex Trains merged with First Great Western and First Great Western Link on 1 April 2006. The new franchise is operated by First Group and all its services operate under the name First Great Western.