02.08.18
TfWM partners up with another TOC in race for ‘as many deals as possible’
As part of its ambition to team up with as many operators as possible in order to “revolutionise” the rail network, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has signed a brand-new partnership deal with Virgin Trains and West Midlands Rail Executive centred around sustainability.
Virgin – which operates stations in Coventry, Birmingham International, Rugby, Stoke on Trent and Stafford – has committed to support environmentally-friendly initiatives such as installing cycle hubs so that travellers can leave their bikes at key stations when using sustainable modes of transport.
The TOC is also working with local football clubs and British Transport Police to keep passengers moving safely on match days through improved signage and passenger information.
Cllr Roger Lawrence, transport lead at West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and chair of the West Midlands Rail Executive, said the new agreement underlines their commitment to work with TOCs in the region to improve journeys.
“We’re particularly pleased Virgin Trains agrees our focus on sustainable transport, especially cycling to stations, is a good way to promote environmentally-friendly and healthy travel choices,” added Lawrence.
“We are working hard to bring organisations together, to forge partnerships and keep everybody working to ensure train travel is an attractive choice for people living in and travelling to and from the region.”
The deal comes less than two months since TfWM, West Midlands Rail and Chiltern renewed their partnership, pledging to work together to meet more than 100 targets over the next three years – including expanding the ‘Swift’ smartcard scheme and improving station design and facilities.
Two weeks ago, TfWM also signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding agreement with TfL to improve transport between London and the West Midlands, with the two devolved organisations committing to learn from each other and limit disruption.
Cllr Roger Horton, lead member for rail and Metro on WMCA’s transport delivery committee, said the deal with Virgin Trains represents their latest success in creating links with the rail industry, adding: “We look forward to signing many more of these with other operators in the future.”