New coaches finally set to ease strain on the train
Operator reveals 40 carriages alongside timetable shake-up
EXTRA train carriages are finally set to be introduced to the most crowded rail routes in the Midlands next week.
The coaches should ease the woes of commuters in and out of Birmingham Snow Hill and New Street stations, said West Midlands Railway director Andy Camp.
The line between Birmingham and Worcester, via Stourbridge Junction, will be the first to benefit.
Mr Camp, commercial director for West Midlands Railway, announced 16 carriages would come on line from Sunday, December 15, when a new winter timetable comes into effect.
Mr Camp apologised for the conditions endured at peak times in and out of the city, but pledged steps were being taken to bring about immediate improvements.
“I know the pain our customers are going through because I stand on the concourse with my fellow directors and our senior managers facing up to this,” he said.
“We know the pain they are going through.”
Another 24 coaches will follow by February, in a bid to alleviate the worst of the overcrowding.
Mr Camp said: “We have managed to procure these carriages from Trans Pennine Express to alleviate the overcrowding. We did want this earlier, but it’s taken longer than we’d hoped.
“We obviously don’t want our passengers to have to endure a busy, crowded or difficult service but we have finally got hold of these carriages.
“They will be put into service over the next two weeks and then the balance, another 24, will come in January and February, so there is some good news on the way.”
Mr Camp was responding to questions from readers about issues they are facing on the trains in and out of Birmingham,
particularly on the towards Worcestershire.
“It’s been a nightmare the past few weeks,” said one commuter, who boards at Stourbridge Junction.
“I haven’t managed to get a seat once in the past two weeks, and the unsafe.
“Everyone is really fed up. It’s unacceptable.”
Travellers have reported incidents of people fainting, crying in distress and arguing with fellow
overcrowding
line
feels passengers and staff because of the frustration brought on by delays and lack of seats.
Meanwhile, Saturday rail strikes have now been cancelled after West Midlands Railway came to an agreement with the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).
The dispute broke out over the role of senior train conductors.
West Midlands Railways said staff were no longer striking on Saturday, December 14 and a full service would be reinstated.
A statement said: “We have reached an agreement with the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers to settle a trade dispute regarding the role of senior conductors on new trains.
“Both sides have worked hard on our shared vision to keep a conductor on every train, which is great news for passengers and staff alike.
“This means that no further strike action will take place.”
We don’t want our passengers to have to ensure a busy, crowded or difficult service West Midlands Railway
director Andy Camp