GLADYS Knight and the Pips sang about a Midnight Train to Georgia, but borough councillors are dreaming of a midnight train to Redditch.
It’s all part of a long held desire to introduce an express rail service between Redditch and Birmingham New Street and to introduce fair fares for passengers travelling from the town to the city.
And on Monday night at full council, the measure received cross party and unanimous backing in the council chamber.
“Now is the right time – we have a new rail franchise awarded promising major investment,” said Coun Bill Hartnett (Lab, Church Hill) who proposed the motion for enhanced rail services between the two stations.
“We call upon Worcestershire County Council and Transport for West Midlands to work with us to help deliver these enhancements.”
He also said it was important to get fare equalisation: “Wolverhampton to New Street single ticket costs £4.70, takes 18 minutes for a journey of 16 miles.
Redditch to New Street single ticket is £5.50, takes 40 minutes and a shorter distance, which means we are paying more for a shorter journey which takes twice as long.”
Coun Juliet Brunner (Con, M’boro) who seconded the motion said: “This can only be beneficial to our town – we need a real service which is reflective of our community.”
The idea had originally been mooted by Coun David Bush (Con, West) who went further, suggesting a midnight express from Birmingham would also be good.
However Coun Hartnett cautioned against asking for too much too soon saying it was best to aim at something that is achievable rather than risking the entire idea.
