Philip Hammond replied that it would have to be looked at in the future. Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways (FOSBR) supports the electrification of the entire Severn Beach line. Improved services along the line are called for as part of the Greater Bristol Metro scheme, a rail transport plan which aims to enhance transport capacity in the Bristol area. There is an aspiration for half-hourly services, however due to the large sections of single-track and the congested main line from Temple Meads, such frequency is not currently feasible. However, it is expected that with the four-tracking of Filton Bank, including the Severn Beach line between Temple Meads and Narroways Hill Junction, that there will be sufficient capacity to allow half-hourly services. The Invitation to Tender for the new Greater Western franchise asks bidders to include costs for two trains per hour each direction on the Severn Beach line, one between Severn Beach and , the other between Severn Beach and , both calling at all stations. These services are to run from December 2017, operating 18 hours a day Monday-Saturday and 9 hours a day on Sundays. The metro plan also calls for the reopening of the Henbury Loop Line, which could allow a service from Temple Meads to via the Severn Beach line. The metro scheme was given the go-ahead in July 2012 as part of the City Deal, whereby local councils would be given greater control over money by the government, however it is as yet unclear which elements will be implemented. FOSBR and other local groups lodged concerns with the Department for Transport that the reopening of the Henbury Loop was not included in the ITT for the new Greater Western franchise. A one-off service, operated by First Great Western, ran on the line on 27 July 2013, but reopening is unlikely before 2018. The new Portway Park and Ride railway station is under construction between and and will serve the A4 Portway Park & Ride scheme. The new station plan was included in the Bristol Metro proposal and for some years this project has had the support of the FOSBR and the Bristol branch of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. Passenger volume Below are the passenger usage statistics from years starting April 2002 to April 2012. Comparing 2002 with later years has shown a general increase on the line in usage. The