First Great Western (FGW) rail company has reduced rail fares for conference delegates by adding Plymouth to its ‘Conference Fares’ destinations. A return to Plymouth from London Paddington will start from £59.
Introduced on 13 November, Plymouth joins cities such as Cardiff and Bristol in being able to offer the cheap return fares from any FGW station.
FGW Account Manager David Gardner says: “First Great Western is committed to supporting the communities we serve. Our line to Plymouth from Paddington offers passengers easy access from the capital or Reading station to stations across the South West.”
Gardner believes that providing cheap travel should give the South West an edge in a competitive market.
“With journey times of three hours and an hourly train service available, Plymouth really is a viable alternative to venues nearer the capital.”
The agreement sees return fares from London Paddington to Plymouth start from £59 for a standard ticket and £109 for First Class. Tickets are available from firstgreatwestern.co.uk and must be accompanied by a delegate’s confirmation of attendance.
Leader of Plymouth City Council Tudor Evans described the new deal as “brilliant news”.
“I am delighted with the way in which First Great Western has worked with the city – This will greatly improve Plymouth’s conference offer.”
Conference Plymouth hopes the deal will be a key link to attract national conferences to the city and Chair of Conference Plymouth, Jon Morcom, says: “When we host a national conference in the city it is essential that we not only have good transport links from London and other major cities into Plymouth, but that we can offer the transport at an attractive price.
“Extras like discounted rail travel and a direct ’no change’ rail link can often clinch the deal from our competitor cities, so we are pleased to have First Great Western on board.”
Conference Plymouth recently launched a ’Familiarisation Programme’ aimed at giving conference bookers an opportunity to experience the city.
Do you have news for CN? Email: pcolston@mashmedia.net
