Train manufacturer unveils major new rail service plans
Alstom has announced major plans for a new rail service connecting Wrexham through to London Euston.
The operation with consultancy SLC Rail will be known as Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) and marks the train manufacturer’s own rail service in the UK for the first time.
Trains could run from Wrexham General through to London Euston as early as 2025 and will avoid Birmingham by using the Sutton Park line, which is currently only used for freight services.
Passengers will stop at Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Telford Central, Wolverhampton, Darlaston (once it opens), Walsall, Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes on their journey between Wrexham and London. Proposals envisage a service of five trains per day in each direction Monday to Saturday, with four travelling both ways on Sundays, serving an estimated 1.5m people outside of London.
Walsall railway station
Plans come 13 years after train company Wrexham & Shropshire, which operated between London Marylebone and Wrexham via Shrewsbury, ceased trading due to losses and as Avanti West Coast is preparing to withdraw its current daily return service between London Euston and Shrewsbury in June.
50 jobs will be created, with roles mostly based in North Wales and the Midlands.
A formal application will be submitted to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) today (March 14).
Nick Crossfield, managing director of UK and Ireland at Alstom said: “As the country’s leading supplier of rolling stock and train services, it makes perfect sense that we now move into operating our own fleet to serve passengers directly. Having been part of the fabric of UK rail for two centuries, we’re excited to enter this new era as an open access operator.
“Alstom is also committed to embedding sustainability into every element of our organisation, and WSMR will help drive a modal shift from road to rail by offering a greener alternative for travellers across England and Wales.”
Ian Walters, managing director at Midlands-based SLC Rail said: “From the Welsh borders to the Midlands, our routes will forge new connections, linking overlooked regions of England and Wales with direct services to and from London. Passengers will benefit from more competitive fares and new technology to simplify ticket purchasing for our new services.
“Our proposal will support sustainable housing growth, nurture communities, and unite business, leisure, and commerce along the corridor”.
Huw Merriman, Rail Minister said: “These exciting proposals could see better connections for communities across North Wales and the Midlands, including direct services to London from Shrewsbury, Telford and Wrexham.
“Competition delivers choice for passengers and drives up standards, which is why we continue to work with industry to help make the most of open access rail.”
