WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Harriett Baldwin has pressed for urgent solutions to improve commuter journeys from Worcestershire Parkway into Birmingham following a major timetable change last May.
The MP raised her concerns with rail operator Cross Country after receiving complaints about the removal of the 07.37 train into the centre of Birmingham.
Dame Harriett contacted new managing director Shiona Rolfe to share concerns about the service removal and has been working with the company and Network Rail to try and find a swift solution.
Cross Country is attempting to find an alternative service to stop at Worcestershire Parkway to take up the capacity of early morning commuters into Birmingham until the new timetable is implemented in December.
The company has also pledged to work with Network Rail to return the cancelled 07.37 service to Stansted Airport into the new timetable at the end of the year.
Dame Harriett said: “I have kept a close eye on the issue after a torrent of constituents started to share their concerns in May.
“I have been working with Cross Country Trains to attempt to find solutions and I am grateful for their constructive approach to this issue.
“I am confident everyone would like to see the return of the cancelled service which came at the same time as news West Midlands Railways were cancelling their peak time service to the second city owing to engineering issues.
“Timetabling problems are complicated and require Network Rail to work with a number of rail operating companies at the same time, but the I am confident all parties know how important this issue is, and they have heard the numerous complaints of local people.
“I plan to keep a close eye on this matter and stand ready to intervene if required. Reliable services in and out of Birmingham are essential for my constituents and we must make it easy, convenient and reliable for people to get on trains rather than have to rely on making private car journeys.”
