Heritage train commuter service trial 'much needed'

Passengers using a heritage train to commute have told the BBC that the new service is much needed.

The Bewdley Express is an eight-week trial taking travellers from Bewdley to Kidderminster on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, where they can change to a Birmingham service.

The trial, run by 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.

"If this works out, it's going to be really helpful," said Helen Jones, who was on one of the services on Tuesday morning.

"I'm going into the office a couple of times a week so I'll probably make a regular thing of it.

"I've just moved to Bewdley about six weeks ago and I'm going into work today on the new service."

The service leaves Bewdley at 06:40 and 07:40 BST on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. After connecting at Kidderminster, passengers will arrive at Birmingham Snow Hill at 07.46 and 08.46 respectively. Evening services will leave Birmingham Snow Hill at 16:46 and 17:46.

Passenger Ben works as a mechanical engineer in the centre of Birmingham and usually has to cycle from Bewdley to Kidderminster to catch a train to the city.

"It's quite exciting. It's nice to have a connection between Bewdley and Kidderminster and be able to travel by rail," he said.

Meanwhile, Lisa lives just outside Bewdley and normally cycles five miles to Kidderminster to catch the train.

"I've always felt it's such a needed service... I was really keen to support [the trial] and experience getting a commuter train out of Bewdley again."

"I think it's much needed for the town."

The first service was 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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