Support us on our journey
Our Plan
Many towns in Somerset and Wiltshire have train stations already, but they often have limited services, they don’t connect well to each other, and few local bus services connect to train departures. Everyone agrees that non-electrified routes like ours need some way of ditching diesel, but hubs for charging batteries just aren’t there.
Our plan is in three phases:
- Start with the energy infrastructure that battery powered public transport requires, sited at key rail hubs and supplying buses that actually connect with rail services
- Develop our own rolling stock by converting surplus electric trains into battery electric multiple units (BEMUs); rather than attempt to solve the capacity issues on the Melksham branch straight away we’ll focus on Bristol – Taunton – Westbury services with a regular timetable
- That sets the stage for a third phase in which the partnerships we’ve been nurturing deliver investment in new stations and unlocks capacity through Swindon.
That means we need more investment to get from where we are – largely volunteer run – to being a fully competent train operator. To cover the planning and preparation needed to launch phase one, we have set a target of £18,500.
Community Shares
The investment Go-op is currently offering are Community Shares. Community shares are a special kind of shares that Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies can issue. They are withdrawable but not transferable, and cannot be traded. Unlike shares in other companies, shares in a co-operative entitle you to a vote in general meetings on the basis of one member, one vote.
Any investment made is a full risk and must be done based on the information on this website only, as we have no detailed business plan or share offer document at present. Shares can earn interest, but we are not setting any target for this at the present time. This is a more risky basis for investment.
We don’t want people to invest more than they can afford, so we are open to small investments as well as large (£25 if you live in Avon, Somerset or Wiltshire, £500 otherwise) and have an option for making smaller monthly investments rather than doing it all in one go.
If you invest more than £250, and you are a UK taxpayer, we will seek Enterprise Investment Scheme tax relief for you – worth up to 30%.
Our share offer document and business plan
- Our business plan is being reviewed, and we are not seeking launch capital right now.
- You are welcome to invest as part of a membership application, but be aware that we cannot tell you right now how funds will be employed, and so there is a greater than normal risk to your capital.
Become a member now
- Minimum investment of £25 if you expect to use our services
- If it is more convenient for you, make repeated smaller deposits (eg £25 per month) to secure tax reliefs
If you have any other questions about investing with us, please get in touch via the contact information below.