The countdown is on to the launch of a unique commuter rail trial that will connect Bewdley with the main line railway network at Kidderminster, with the first services running in less than a week.
The eight-week Bewdley Express trial begins on Tuesday 1 September, with heritage trains operated by the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) carrying passengers between Bewdley and Kidderminster, where they can connect with West Midlands Railway services to and from Birmingham, Worcester and beyond.
The trial is a partnership between the SVR, West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and West Midlands Railway, and will test demand for a regular rail connection between Bewdley and the wider West Midlands network.
Weekday commuter services will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the trial, with morning departures from Bewdley at 6.40am and 7.40am. Evening return services will leave Birmingham Snow Hill at 4.46pm and 5.46pm, with passengers changing at Kidderminster for the SVR service to Bewdley.
Example fares include £16 return between Bewdley and Birmingham, while a return between Bewdley and Kidderminster costs £3.60, with a single ticket priced at £2.
The trial is intended to assess passenger demand and demonstrate the potential benefits of a more direct rail connection for Bewdley and surrounding communities. Better rail connectivity could provide an alternative to car travel for commuters while also improving access to employment, education and leisure opportunities and supporting tourism and the local economy.
Gus Dunster, chief executive officer of the Severn Valley Railway, said: “After months of planning and preparation, it is fantastic to see the Bewdley Express trial almost ready to begin.
"This is a genuinely exciting experiment in how heritage railway infrastructure and expertise can work alongside the modern rail network to improve connectivity.
“For the first time in many years, people will be able to use Bewdley as part of their everyday rail journey, travelling on a heritage railway before connecting with the main line at Kidderminster. We hope commuters, residents and leisure travellers will get behind the trial and give the service a try.”
Tickets will be available to purchase from West Midlands Railway staff at Bewdley ahead of the morning departures on the day of travel. Tickets can also be purchased from West Midlands Railway ticket offices, including Kidderminster and Birmingham Snow Hill. WMR are working hard to make tickets available for purchase online and advise checking their website for updates.
The trial will run for eight weeks from 1 September, with passenger numbers and usage patterns helping the partners assess the potential for future services and the case for improving Bewdley's connection with the wider regional rail network.
Comments
Add a comment