Rail travel for passengers across the region has taken a massive
leap forward with the first of 27 brand new London Midland trains
now in service as part of a £93 million investment in the
operative busy routes through Birmingham Snow Hill.
Around 8.5 million rail passengers a year will benefit from the
introduction of the new trains, which are all expected to be in
service by the beginning of November. Built in the Midlands, the
new trains represent a vast improvement on the 25-year old fleet of
diesel trains they are replacing.
The trains all have air conditioning, more legroom, and - in
response to customer feedback - four seats across rather than five.
Wheelchair users also get an easy-to-access dedicated space
for the first time.
The overall travelling environment is also enhanced by brighter
interiors, carpets, CCTV, and a GPS-based audio/visual information
system that automatically announces the next stop when the train is
approaching the station.
Corridor connections at the ends of three-carriage trains also
mean that passengers and conductors can walk the length of the
train for the first time at peak times, when running in
six-carriage formations.
Since the start of the London Midland franchise in 2007, the
operator has invested heavily in major improvements to its three
main routes into Snow Hill - from Stratford-upon-Avon, Dorridge and
Worcester. These have included several million pounds-worth of
station improvements, including additional help-points on
platforms, CCTV, real time digital information displays and the
installation of self-service ticket machines. All stations
have also benefited from brand new, high quality signage and an
extensive redecoration programme.
London Midland has also worked closely with its partners to help
deliver a range of other major projects, including the expansion of
several car parks and an £80m resignalling project to improve
reliability, which covered the routes between Birmingham and
Stratford/Leamington Spa.
Alex Hynes, Commercial Director for London Midland, explained
how the transformation of the Snow Hill lines will take another
leap forward as the new trains take to the tracks throughout
September and October:
"Having completed a major programme of station improvements, the
introduction of the new trains will revolutionise the travel
experience on the Snow Hill lines. Seeing the first of these brand
new trains in service for the first time today really does mark the
start of a new era.
"The high quality interiors have been designed with comfort,
style and practicality in mind, so whether you're going to work or
the shops, your experience with London Midland should be memorable
for all the right reasons!"