WSMR applies to ORR for new open access service

and Midlands Railway (WSMR), a partnership between Alstom and SLC Rail, has announced plans to operate a new open access service, with a formal application submitted to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in mid-march.

The proposal is for five return services between Wrexham General and London Euston in each direction from Monday to Saturday, with four return journeys on Sundays. WSMR’S application proposes that its services will also call at Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Telford Central, Wolverhampton, Darlaston (where a new station is currently being built), Walsall, Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes. WSMR trains will avoid Birmingham, instead utilising the freight-only Sutton Park line.

WSMR says services could begin as early as next year and will create about 50 new jobs, with roles mostly based in North Wales and the Midlands. Details surrounding WSMR’S planned train fleet, branding, and service provision are still to be announced.

Ian Walters, the managing director of SLC Rail, said: “From the Welsh borders to the Midlands, our routes will forge new connections, linking overlooked regions of England and Wales with direct services to and from London. Passengers will benefit from more competitive fares and new technology to simplify ticket purchasing. Delighting the customer will be at the forefront of what we do; we want WSMR passengers to experience a new excellence in customer service onboard our intercity trains.

“Our proposal will support sustainable housing growth, nurture communities, and unite business, leisure, and commerce along the corridor. This will enhance economies and bring a positive impact to both communities and the environment – and we can’t wait to get started!” Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s managing director, UK & Ireland, said: “As the country’s leading supplier of rolling stock and train services, it makes perfect sense that we now move into operating our own fleet to serve passengers directly. Having been part of the fabric of UK rail for two centuries, we are excited to enter this new era as an open access operator.

“Alstom is also committed to embedding sustainability into every element of our organisation, and WSMR will help drive a modal shift from road to rail by offering a greener alternative for travellers across England and Wales.”

The news of the application follows confirmation from Avanti West Coast that it will cease operating its daily service to Shrewsbury with effect from the next timetable change in June. AWC said that the paths currently used will be retained between London and the West Midlands, with the morning diagram due to start from Birmingham New Street and the afternoon service from London terminating at Wolverhampton.

Kieran Marshall February 23 saw the final coal train operated by DB Cargo from the Cwmbargoed Disposal Point, marking the end of the last domestic coal flow in the UK. Passing Trelewis, just south of Bedlinog, 66112 descends the Taff Bargoed Valley, destined for Margam. The Ffos-y-fran opencast mine closed in November last year, but trains continued to operate along the route following its closure to clear stockpiled coal at Cwmbargoed. A Pathfinder Railtours charter, the ‘Cwm and Glo’, subsequently visited the freight-only route on March 9. Source: Alstom