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Heritage Trains Carry Commuters: Future Service Debated
24 Oct
Summary
- Heritage trains transported 1,000 passengers between Bewdley and Kidderminster.
- The commuter service ran three days a week for eight weeks.
- Decision on permanent service hinges on talks with West Midlands Railway.
A pilot program utilizing heritage trains on the Severn Valley Railway for commuter services has concluded with a strong endorsement from its 1,000 passengers. For eight weeks, between September and October, the 'Bewdley Express' operated three days a week, offering early morning and evening services between Bewdley and Kidderminster. This allowed passengers to connect with mainline services for onward travel to cities like Birmingham.
Commuters lauded the trial, citing transformed travel abilities and reduced reliance on congested roads. Many expressed a desire for the service to become permanent, highlighting its benefits for both regular commuters and occasional travelers. Discussions are scheduled with the West Midlands Railway Executive to evaluate the trial's success, considering factors like passenger popularity, operational logistics, and budget.
Gus Dunster, Severn Valley Railway's managing director, indicated optimism about the service's future, estimating its chances of becoming permanent at "more than 50/50." He noted the program's success in addressing road congestion and leveraging the proximity of the heritage line to the national rail network. The positive reception has fueled hope for continuation and potentially even future through-trains onto the national network.
