Late nights and Sundays vital for new operators

Sep 4 2006 Birmingham Post

Companies bidding to run cross-country rail services through the West Midlands have been challenged to confirm that they intend to improve the frequency of Sunday and late-night trains.

The prospective operators must also invest in more rolling stock, run longer trains to cope with passenger demand and help provide park-and-ride facilities at stations, according to Birmingham City Council.

A suggested framework for better services is set out in the council's response to a Department for Transport consultation on the new franchise for cross-country services.

Growth in demand for train travel, which has been stronger in the West Midlands than the national average, is expected to continue, especially in central Birmingham.

The council submission warns: "To realise this growth, capacity will need to be expanded primarily through running longer trains. Longer trains will require longer platforms and greater use of selective door opening."

Delivery of the Birmingham Gateway project, the £500 million expansion and refurbishment of New Street Station, is described as critical for the long term success of the new cross-country franchise.

Priorities set out by the council include:

*Improvements in services to Birmingham International Station in order to cater for airport passengers.

* Better and more frequent services between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham and Dorridge.

* Improvements to late evening services.

The submission adds: "There are no Sunday evening services to some stations, meaning that passengers attending evening events or changing from long-distance services are unable to travel.

"Bidders should be asked to deliver adequate Sunday crewing arrangements."

Successful franchise bidders must also assess the practicalities of operating later late-night services, especially on potentially busier Friday and Saturday nights.