West Midlands’ rail users to benefit from partnership deals

West Midlands’ rail passengers will be able to access over 100 benefits, including easier ticket purchasing, being allowed to pay a fare when already on board a train, the Swift card on Chiltern rail, and many other improvements, after a partnership agreement between Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Rail (WMR) and Transport for the West Midlands was signed at Moor Street station in Birmingham.

The agreement aims to maximise and improve customer benefits across an ambitious 117 areas that include more ticket vending machines, a possible loyalty card scheme, improved station design and facilities, and better connections for travellers.

Previous collaborations of this kind between Chiltern Railways and the former public transport body Centro delivered a new car park at Solihull station and faster journey times between Birmingham and London, with much improved information sharing between the partners.

Dave Penney, managing director of Chiltern Railways said: “This is a hugely exciting time for rail in the West Midlands and Chiltern will be working closely with our colleagues in the region to deliver enhancements. We want to use our experience to ensure that the Midlands rail network is resilient and can provide a high quality service whilst it is developed.”

Cllr Mark Winnington, the vice-chair of WMR added: “This agreement aims to deliver a new era for rail travel in the West Midlands. It will make train travel the most attractive mode of choice for people living in and travelling to and from the region. By working with TfWM and Chiltern we will deliver a network that plays a key role in making the West Midlands a place in which to do business, visit and live.”

The agreement will be assessed against a clear criteria which includes network reliability, happier travellers, better and safer stations, better trains and an increase in overall passenger numbers using the service.