London Midland implements Winter Plan in advance of new timetable

RAIL operator London Midland has said its fleet maintenance teams are preparing the company’s 480 trains for the winter months.

The work is being carried out in advance of the firm’s new winter timetable, which came into effect on Sunday (December 8).

Neil Bamford, London Midland’s engineering director, said: “We began implementing our Winter Plan after carrying out a thorough analysis of our fleet’s performance last winter, when we saw extremely challenging weather conditions over a protracted period of time.

“Freezing temperatures, ice and snow each bring their own difficulties, so it’s crucial that we plan ahead and prepare our fleet as best we can for our passengers.”

The list of tasks to be undertaken includes:
•          Protective jackets being placed around the air pressure system on the Class 170 fleet to stop the brakes and doors sticking.
•          New wiper blades being fitted on all 480 trains.
•          Specialist deflector plates being installed around each train’s horn to prevent snow blockages (trains are not permitted to run without a working horn).
•          Heated couplers being installed on the Class 350 fleet.
•          Assessment and checking of the heating system on every train.
•          Checking and maintaining de-icing agents and anti-freeze levels throughout the winter.
•          Ensuring the trace heating functionality is working to prevent fuel and waste freezing.  

Stocks of gritting salt have already been distributed across depots and stations to allow platform edges and walkways to be gritted on a daily basis.  

Delivery of the Winter Plan, which includes additional staffing, specialist equipment and labour charges, costs London Midland an estimated £250,000.  

The new timetable sees a number of changes to services.

The operator said commuters in Hartlebury in Worcestershire would now benefit from the best service in over half a century, with additional stops on the route between Birmingham and Worcester Foregate Street.

Solihull residents will also be able to use a direct link to Stratford upon Avon for the first time in a number of years.  On the Snow Hill line, instead of the half-hourly summer Saturday timetable between Snow Hill and Stratford via Whitlocks End, one train per hour will now run via Whitlocks End and one train per hour via Dorridge. This pattern will also be replicated Monday to Friday, with additional peak services to and from Stratford.  

In addition, a modified timetable will operate over the Christmas period on certain London Midland routes.  This is to reflect the reduction in demand for services and major engineering works, including the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street station.