Freight haulier GB Railfreight (GBRf) has opened a new train crew base at Bristol as it prepares to establish a larger presence in the South West, South Wales and South Midlands. GBRf has already won contracts in the area and receives regular requests for quotes for other business.

The new Bristol base will help GBRf fulfil its commitments in the West. Drivers at Bristol will, for example, help GBRf with its contract with First Great Western to move 55 sets of HST vehicles for refurbishment. The freight haulier will move HST trailer cars from Old Oak Common and coaches from other First Great Western locations to and from Bombardier’s Ilford and Derby works over the course of an 18-month agreement, which began in June.

According to Contract Manager Steve Turner, GBRf will establish over time a major presence in the west of the country. “Bristol was chosen,” he said, “due to number of requests that we have received from customers in that area for route conductors. ” I have no doubt that customers will soon appreciate our qualities of innovation, reliability and customer service, and that business will grow.”

GBRf’s existing depots at Willesden and Wellingborough will support the depot initially to help cover peak workloads.