THE REMAINING class 323 electric trains which operate on the Cross-City line are set to be withdrawn this week after 30 years’ service, following the introduction of a new fleet of trains, writes Neil Gordon.
This Friday (September 27) is set to be the final day of operation through Birmingham for the 323s after the new fleet of class 730 electric trains have now been successfully introduced as replacements, during a £1billion rail network modernisation programme including new rolling stock and infrastructure improvements.
Brand new class 730 electric trains, numbers 730009 and 730008, worked the 11.29 service to Lichfield Trent Valley on Thursday. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
The class 323s began operating Cross-City services back in 1994 when the route served stations between Lichfield – Longbridge and Redditch. They were also used when the line was extended to Bromsgrove six years ago following electrification of the stretch of track between Barnt Green and Bromsgrove’s then new station.
323202 had the distinction of operating the first-ever Cross-City service at Bromsgrove on July 29. 2018.
The Standard has contacted West Midlands Railway to enquire if any class 323 trains will be operating services from Bromsgrove this Friday, and is currently awaiting on a response.
