Yeovil MP calls for long term action as rail passengers face longer journeys

Adam Dance MP is stepping up pressure on the Government to protect rail passengers in the Yeovil constituency from longer journeys and reduced connectivity on the West of England Line.

The Liberal Democrat MP has challenged Transport Ministers directly through Parliament, asking what action the Government is taking to ensure passengers travelling from his constituency are not negatively affected by changes to the timetable.

His intervention comes as the latest Office of Rail and Road figures show 221,442 passenger entries and exits at Yeovil Junction in 2024/25, an increase of more than 16% in just one year.

Adam says the growing use of the station makes it even more important that passengers have access to reliable services and that the Government invests in the long-term resilience of the West of England Line.

It is the latest action from Adam to stand up for local rail passengers. He has also backed calls for Ministers to review proposed autumn timetable changes affecting Crewkerne and other Somerset communities, and to ensure infrastructure problems do not lead to a longer-term reduction in rural rail connectivity.

Responding to Adam’s Parliamentary Question, Transport Minister Keir Mather acknowledged the particular challenges facing the West of England Line.

The Government recognised that its long sections of single track and limited passing points mean even relatively small delays can cause wider disruption. Ministers also warned that problems caused by Soil Moisture Deficit, which led to significant disruption in 2025, are highly likely to affect the route again this year following further record-breaking dry weather.

Adam is calling for that recognition to be matched by long term action and investment, so passengers in Yeovil, Crewkerne and surrounding rural communities are not repeatedly left facing slower and less reliable services.

Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, said:

“More and more people are using Yeovil Junction, with passenger numbers rising by over 16% in the space of a year. We should be making it easier for people to use our railway, not leaving them facing longer journeys and reduced connectivity.

“That is why I have raised this directly with the Government and why I will keep fighting to make sure the voices of passengers across the Yeovil constituency are heard in Westminster.

“Of course, safety must always come first, and I recognise the very real challenges that extreme weather is causing. But we cannot accept disruption becoming a regular feature every summer and autumn.

“The Government itself has acknowledged how vulnerable the West of England Line is. We now need Ministers to work with Network Rail and South Western Railway on the long term investment needed to make this route more resilient.

“Reliable public transport is vital for rural communities like ours. I will continue pressing for the investment and improvements our area needs.”

Adam has previously joined fellow Somerset representatives in raising concerns with the Government about proposed autumn timetable changes and calling for assurances that local residents will not experience reduced connectivity as a result of recurring infrastructure and operational problems.

He will continue to press Ministers, Network Rail and South Western Railway for improvements to the West of England Line and better, more reliable connections for passengers across the constituency.