Japanese ambassador hails launch of new Midland rail franchise
MIDLAND commuters should expect the type of punctual train service expected by Japanese travellers under a new franchise.
That was the view of Japanese ambassador to the UK, Koji Tsuruoka, who was in Birmingham for the launch of a new West Midlands Railway franchise jointly run by the Japanese and Dutch.
The West Midlands Railway line will get £1 billion of investment in hundreds of new carriages, station upgrades, more services, free Wi-Fi and a new ticketing systems.
It is backed by a consortium of three investors: Dutch rail company Abellio and two East and Mitsui.
It is the first time Japanese rail companies have invested in Britain and this week’s launch at Snow Hill station was big news in the Far East, with news coverage beamed back to Tokyo by a pack of travelling journalists.
Mr Tsuruoka, speaking at Monday’s launch, said his train from London had arrived on time, despite his worries over the snowfall.
He said: “The expectation of passengers ought to be very high. In Japan passengers are extremely demanding. If there’s any problem, the rail company can expect a lynching in public.”
He urged Birmingham travellers to be as vocal, adding: “We need passengers to be demanding and Japanese firms JR choose companies which deliver. I have no doubt we will see a satisfactory service for passengers here.”
The new rail bosses have pledged compensation if services are delayed by 15 minutes or more.
The service, which replaced London Midland, will be overseen by the West Midlands Combined Authority and councils under the West Midlands Rail umbrella.
Until now franchises have answered to the Department for Transport in London.
Director of West Midlands Rail, Malcolm Holmes, said that as a commuter on the Cross City Line himself he will know how well the service is going.
“We will hold the operator to account and ensure the investment is made,” he said.
Of the new £1 billion investment, £680 million will be spent on new trains being built by Bombardier in Derby, and Spanish manufacturer CAF. More trains means more services, with 85,000 extra Birminghamto-London rush hour spaces and more services at weekends.
Managing director of the new service, Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, said: “We are delighted to see so many of our new trains produced in the Midlands, stimulating the economy. Along with 900 apprenticeships put in place over the coming years, we will be building a legacy that will benefit the industry for decades to come.”
Further improvements include £70 million towards maintenance depot upgrades and £60 million on station improvements.