THE NEW timetable for Bromsgrove rail users offering three trains an hour to Birmingham New Street has been delayed again.
The services were due to run from the town’s multi-million pound station from May 20, but that has now been put back to July 29.
Richard Dugdale from Network Rail addressed members of the Bromsgrove Rail User Group (BRUG) at the organisation’s latest meeting on Wednesday.
He said the biggest problem was loss of access to the lines for construction work in late autumn because of trains on other routes being diverted.
“It’s not the news we would have wanted and I must apologise for the delay.
“But after four years of construction it will be worth the wait.”
‘Shadow’ electric trains are due to be tested on the lines from the second week of May and there is the 12-week safety regulatory approvals process which has to be done. That will begin at the start at the end of April.
Bromsgrove Station opened in July 2016 and the plan has always been to work towards the electrification so more services could operate from the town.
In December last year, West Midlands Railway took over the franchise operated by London Midland and promised significant investment in services and infrastructure including £700million in new trains.
While the existing electric stock on the Cross-City Line will serve Bromsgrove under the new timetable, a new fleet of trains is on order with Derby-based Bombadier Transportation Rolling Stock and will be introduced in 2021.
The new timetable will see six trains an hour run from Birmingham New Street. Three will go to Redditch on the current Cross City Line. The other three will switch from Longbridge to Bromsgrove with one in each three stopping at Barnt Green.
The current diesel services will continue to go to Hereford.
Bromsgrove Labour Councillor Chris Bloore slammed Network Rail for the delay, describing it as ‘a massive blow’.
“No new services till the end of July means commuters will have to continue to put up with the poor and overcrowded service that currently serves Bromsgrove.
“I’d urge the franchise holder to deliver on their promise of extra seats and carriages immediately to rectify what I think is currently dangerous and unsafe conditions on peak journeys.”
But Tony Woodward, the vice-chairman of BRUG, was more positive about the situation.
“Our philosophy is we are finally going to get this service that Bromsgrove rail users deserve.”
