22.05.18
Electric train makes historic first journey to Bromsgrove
The first electric train has travelled between Birmingham and Bromsgrove in a historic journey on Sunday.
The West Midlands Railway train made the journey to test the newly installed overhead power lines as part of the upgrade and electrification of the railway to Bromsgrove.
When the work is completed, there will be an extra three trains per hour, up from the current frequency of two trains an hour during peak time and just one train an hour off peak.
A full electric service is expected to be introduced later this summer.
The testing marks the permanent switch on of the overhead power lines, which carry 25,000 volts of electricity, with local communities being urge to be aware of the additional safety hazard.
Richard Dugdale, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Passengers will soon be travelling on electric trains between Birmingham and Bromsgrove which will provide a better, greener, more reliable service.
“The Railway Upgrade Plan is delivering significant improvements across Britain. Bromsgrove with its new station and electric train service is reaping the benefits.”
Richard Brooks, West Midlands Railway’s customer experience director, added: “There is still more work to be done but the test train is a major step towards giving Bromsgrove the extra services the town needs.
“These are exciting times for the region.”
The train operator is investing almost £1bn to create more and better journeys, which he said would help to shape and support the region’s economy.
Top image: Network Rail
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