THE APPOINTMENT of a new company operating train services across the West Midlands could offer fresh hope to rail users in Pershore.
That’s the view of town MP Harriett Baldwin who welcomed the appointment of West Midlands Rail who have pledged to offer more services for rail users between Worcestershire stations and Birmingham.
Mrs Baldwin hopes the transfer to a new operator from the beleaguered London Midland will encourage other rail operators to do more to offer enhanced services for rail users in Pershore.
“The announcement of a new franchise operator for West Midland services was great for rail users travelling between Malvern and Worcester, and Birmingham but it also offered a ray of light for people using other local train services,” she said.
“The franchise winner offered a significant level of extra services – some of which may help people connecting from Pershore – and has pledged £1billion to improve station facilities and better technology.
“I’d love to see this sort of commitment made by the Cotswold Line operator offering the faster, more frequent and more reliable services to and from London.
“The Cotswold Line franchise renewal process will soon get underway and I have already had discussions with the Rail Minister about separating out the line as a stand-alone franchise.
“I hope that with some innovative thinking and an ambitious operator in place, we can aim to deliver full dualling of the line, station improvements and increased services for local rail users.”
