MP Lucy Allan calls for improvements to Telford rail service
MP Lucy Allan has called for more trains on the Telford to Birmingham line, claiming the network has not kept pace with the town's development.
The Telford MP used a Westminster Hall debate to call on London Midland, Arriva Trains, and the government to improve rail capacity on the line.
Ms Allan said: "Our train service has failed to keep pace with Telford’s development and growth and this impacts on people’s everyday lives and the success of our town.
"Thousands of people’s everyday lives can be made so much better – ensure enough carriages, and sort out the spacing of the train times so there isn’t a 45-minute wait between services.
"Telford is an exciting place to live and is one of the most economically successful towns in the Midlands, with employment rates on par with many areas of the south.
"So, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary and look to our future, we need to ensure that our rail services match our economic growth if we are to continue to be successful for the next 50 years."
Responding to Ms Allan, Jesse Norman, the Minister of State for Transport, said that money is being invested to improve the line.
He said: "West Midlands has committed £1bn of investment across the West Midlands in order to deliver better journeys for all.
“The new franchise, which will run until 2026, will see passengers in the West Midlands benefit from £700m of investment in new and refurbished trains, including 400 brand new carriages.
“A further £60m is to be spent at stations, and provide for 1,000 new parking spaces across the West Midlands network.
“From 2020, 80 modern carriages will be introduced to operate in and around Birmingham – including the Telford line.
“In addition to offering a higher quality environment, these vehicles will have more seats and should help to alleviate rush-hour overcrowding.
“The line from Telford to Birmingham will be transformed by additional rolling stock. In December 2018, West Midlands Trains will create a regular all day, half hourly service, which will complement the existing hourly service operated by Arriva Trains Wales.
“By 2021, there will be three trains per hour to Birmingham all week.
“Telford Central station is also set to benefit from a range of improvements. A bike hire facility will be installed and car users will benefit from an expanded and modernised car park, with 100 new spaces to be created.
“The new West Midlands franchise will also create 900 new apprenticeships."
