A new timetable is coming into operation next week on the Birmingham Snow Hill line, and passengers are being urged to check before travelling.
The new timetable confirms the temporary arrangements that were announced last month as Coronavirus continues to affect the operator and their aims to provide a normal train timetable.
A reliable service for passengers is the main reason why the timetable changes have been announced. The line serves Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester and Kidderminster, with peak travel times being prioritised in the new timetable.
WMR customer experience director Jonny Wiseman said: “We are committed to providing as many trains as we can with the resources available to meet demand. This new timetable has been designed to provide a simple, straightforward service our customers can rely on.
“In recent weeks the impact of Covid-19 has meant we have had to cancel a number of trains on the Snow Hill lines, which we know is frustrating for our customers.
“That's why we have created a new timetable which will reduce the need for short-notice cancellations while still providing a service to match the level of demand on the route.
“We will continue to run trains with the maximum possible number of carriages in order to help our customers socially distance while on board.”
With Coronavirus cases increasing, and new restrictions in place, West Midlands Railway is monitoring passenger numbers to provide the correct level of service to match the demand.
All departure times on the Snow Hill route will change in the new timetable, with the majority of trains from Birmingham Snow Hill to Worcester now starting and terminating at Worcester Shrub Hill rather than Foregate Street.
A number of schools are situated on the Snow Hill line, so the timetable has been designed to provide additional trains at the beginning and end of the school day.
A Weekday service would most likely look like the following:
- Stourbridge – Stratford-upon-Avon
- Two trains an hour. One train via Dorridge, one via Whitlocks End
- Both trains will call at all stations except Small Heath and Tyseley.
- Kidderminster – Whitlocks End
- One train an hour calling at all stations
- Worcester Shrub Hill – Dorridge
- One train an hour calling at all stations
The new Snow Hill line timetables will be published on www.wmr.uk
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Hopefully West Midlands Railway can start introducing the Class 196 Civity DMUs that it will replace the Class 170s on the Snow Hill Lines and Birmingham-Hereford & Shrewsbury services.