LOCAL MP Rachel Maclean has added her weight to a campaign spearheaded by Redditch Borough Council for a peak time express service between town and Birmingham New Street.
Council leader Bill Hartnett has been at the forefront of the bid for the express morning and evening service and brought Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands Combined authority to Redditch to discuss the issue under the new devolved powers given to the regions.
And the campaign has been unanimously backed by members of the borough council.
Mrs Maclean raised the express service issue at Transport Questions in Parliament on Thursday morning, asking Rail Minister, Paul Maynard MP, to work with her to develop an updated business case to take to franchise holder West Midlands Trains Ltd.
It follows the publishing of the Government’s ‘strategic vision for rail’ which envisages improved and expanded rail services to boost housing and economic growth.
Mr Maynard said he would welcome the opportunity to discuss the case.
Mrs Maclean said: “Faster rail services will help to improve transport links between Redditch and Birmingham and will go a long way in helping to boost the town’s economy.”
Back in October Coun Hartnett told a full council meeting: “Now is the right time – we have a new rail franchise awarded promising major investment.
“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.”
For more on the ‘strategic vision for rail’ visit: www.gov.uk/government/news/strategic-vision-for-rail
https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/1bn-boost-for-railways-covering-the-west-midlands/
