The 80 carriages were built by CAF, South Wales and Spain factories. The first train, a Class 196s named Charles Darwin, is scheduled to begin service during the next weeks and will serve the route between Shrewsbury and Birmingham.
The trains will be equipped with innovative features such as enhanced seat capacity, improved storage spaces, digital screens, plugs, USB sockets, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, bike upgraded spaces and many more.
Managing director Ian McConnell declared:
“These brand new trains will provide a much-improved travelling experience for our customers with smart air conditioning and power points at every seat.
“We have had to wait a little while to introduce these trains due to the pandemic but I am delighted our customers will soon be able to experience the trains for themselves.”
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street also commented:
“I want to see a golden era for rail travel in our region and this £690 million investment from West Midlands Railway is a vital and very welcome element in realising that overall vision.
“These fantastic new trains will make a real difference for passengers – improving the travel experience, connecting communities and providing extra capacity – which is much needed as public transport usage continues to climb post pandemic.”
Beginning the year to come, the new diesel train fleet is also set to serve the Hereford Line, linking Birmingham and Bromsgrove, Droitwich or Worcester.
West Midlands Railway (WMR) and London Northwestern Railway (LNR) are train operating franchises in the UK, offering services in the Birmingham, London and the North West areas of the country.
source: business-live.co.uk
