Heritage trains begin modern commuter trial

A heritage railway is hoping to encourage modern commuters to get on board and use its services.

The Bewdley Express will leave its namesake town in Worcestershire at 06:40 and 07:40 BST on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to take passengers into Kidderminster where they will change to a Birmingham service.

Evening services will leave Birmingham Snow Hill at 16:46 and 17:46.

The eight-week trial, a partnership between the Severn Valley Railway and West Midlands Railway, is intended to test demand for a regular rail connection between Bewdley and the wider West Midlands network.

The first service will be driven by Bob Dunn, from Bromsgrove.

The 67-year-old retired from his full-time job in 2019 and said it would be a "proud" moment.

"I am just one of many volunteers who are volunteering to make sure this collaboration between the West Midlands and the Severn Valley is a success," he said.

"It will be a very special occasion. I'll feel very proud but there are loads of other people involved as well, it's not just about me."

Better rail links could give commuters an alternative to travelling by car, while improving access to employment, education and leisure opportunities, the organisations say.

Gus Dunster, chief executive of SVR, said: "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 can be bought from West Midlands Railway staff at Bewdley ahead of the morning departures on the day of travel.

They are also available from West Midlands Railway ticket offices, including Kidderminster and Birmingham Snow Hill.

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