The chancellor George Osborne has unveiled plans to invest £7 billion to improve transport links across the south-west of England as part of the Budget set out yesterday.

This includes a new franchising agreement with First Great Western to run until 2019. The operator will provide new Intercity trains across the main line to replace the 1970s diesel engines currently in service. However, these will only run on the line between London and Bristol, as other parts of the network have not been electrified. First Group will also carry out other infrastructure improvements.

During his speech, Mr Osborne explained how the government is committed to “connecting up the South West, with over £7 billion of transport investment, better roads, support for air links." He added: "I can confirm today - a new rail franchise which will bring new intercity express trains and greatly improved rail services".
He also made another push for votes in the region, cutting cider duty by two per cent.