Yesterday in Parliament, Telford & Wrekin MPs, including Lucy Allan MP and Mark Pritchard MP met with Malcolm Holmes, Programme Director of West Midlands Rail to discuss the future of rail services in the West Midlands and Telford’s future connectivity.
At the meeting, the MPs were briefed about the new West Midlands franchise operating under West Midlands Trains. They were also told of the big wins which will benefit local rail users as set out below.
• £700 million of investment in new and refurbished trains, including 400 brand new carriages, which will increase capacity and make journeys for comfortable for passengers.
• From Dec 2018, there will be 3 trains per hour from Telford to Birmingham
• From May 2021, there will be an improved Sunday service, with two services per hour by 2021.
• From March 2021, there will be a new car park at Telford Train station, making room for an extra 100 cars with number plate recognition.
• From Summer 2018, a cycle hire facility will be introduced
• New information screen at Telford Central to provide more information about onward connections with other forms of transport.
• New station travel plans for Telford Central and Oakengates to encourage more sustainable transport choices.
Amongst these improvements, MPs were given assurance that West Midlands Rail is continuing to push for electrification of the rail line.
Speaking after the meeting, Lucy Allan MP said:
‘The meeting with West Midlands Rail was very productive and we were able to gain a better understanding of the improvements to the rail service, which will benefit my constituents in Telford.
‘Improving connectivity in Telford is fundamental to our future growth and prosperity and we need to keep pushing this point. Telford makes a significant contribution to the West Midlands economy. That is why I am delighted that West Midlands Rail have agreed to attend the Shropshire MPs quarterly meetings to keep us informed of future changes.
‘I will continue to work with my fellow MPs to ensure that our rail services continue to meet capacity and keep up with a modern day economy.’