05.04.18
West Midlands Railway takes charge of Wolverhampton station
Wolverhampton station has officially been taken over by West Midlands Railway, replacing Virgin Trains.
The changeover is part of a move towards more devolved transport services throughout the West Midlands, which Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) says focuses on local towns, cities and residents.
The transfer of ownership comes after recent works kicked off in March on the Wolverhampton Interchange scheme.
Central to this drive is Wolverhampton, which will see the construction of a transport hub, improving links to the city by rail, Midland Metro and bus.
Alongside this work, West Midlands Railway will introduce a raft of improvements for the region, including 20,000 extra seats and standing room for an additional 50,000 passengers at peak time in and around Birmingham, plus investment in new rolling stock.
There will be additional late night and Sunday services across the region, with passengers able to take direct West Midlands Trains services to Wolverhampton and Walsall.
Subject to feasibility assessments, the operator also intends to introduce seven new stations across the region.
Under the new franchise the station facilities will be upgraded, which TfWM argues will offer a “state-of-the-art gateway to the city” and will be integrated with other transport modes. The scheme is due to be completed by 2020.
Richard Brooks, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, explained: “We believe local responsibility of the railway and its infrastructure is good for passengers, good for the economy and good for taxpayers.
“Once complete, Wolverhampton Interchange will be a fabulous gateway to the city and to the wider West Midlands through massively improved connectivity across all modes of public transport.
“The railway station is a key part of the Interchange. Local management is quicker to identify and respond to the service levels, facilities and development needs of an area and ensures investment goes where it is most required.”
Top image: LPETTET
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.