WREXHAM, SHROPSHIRE and Midlands Railway (WSMR), a partnership between Alstom and SLC Rail, has announced plans to operate a new open access service, with a formal application submitted to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in mid-March.
The proposal is for five return services between Wrexham General and London Euston in each direction from Monday to Saturday, with four return journeys on Sundays. WSMR’s application proposes that its services will also call at Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Telford Central, Wolverhampton, Darlaston (where a new station is currently being built), Walsall, Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes. WSMR trains will avoid Birmingham, instead utilising the freight-only Sutton Park line.
WSMR says services could begin as early as next year and will create about 50 new jobs, with roles mostly based in North Wales and the Midlands. Details surrounding WSMR’s planned train fleet, branding, and service provision are still to be announced.
Ian Walters, the managing director of 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. Delighting the customer will be at the forefront of what we do; we want WSMR passengers to experience a new excellence in customer service onboard our intercity trains.
“Our proposal will support sustainable housing growth, nurture communities, and unite business, leisure, and commerce along the corridor. This will enhance economies and bring a positive impact to both communities and the environment – and we can’t wait to get started!”
Nick Crossfield, Alstom’s managing director, UK & Ireland, 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 directl
