An increased train service means shoppers and day-trippers heading to historic Stratford-upon-Avon or Birmingham city centre now have even more choice.
Centro, the transport authority for the West Midlands, and train company London Midland are to double the number of Saturday trains operating between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon.
From December 15, those visiting the world renowned Royal Shakespeare Company or simply spending a day in the Bard's home town can sit back and relax by using the new enhanced Saturday service which will now run twice an hour.
Meanwhile those living in outlying areas will be able to avoid the jams and reach Birmingham and its flagship stores quickly and easily.
Cllr Tim Huxtable, Centro's lead member for rail and Metro operations said: "Birmingham and Stratford are both major destinations in the Midlands and each offer some unique attractions.
"These extra Saturday trains make it quick and convenient for people to get to those attractions and avoid the stress of driving and parking - after all Birmingham's worst day for traffic is now Saturday."
The enhanced Saturday timetable was launched at Stratford railway station by Royal Shakespeare Company actors David Dawson and Anneika Rose, who take the lead roles in the current RSC production of Romeo and Juliet.
London Midland managing director Steve Banaghan said: ""We're delighted to be able to double the number of Saturday services between Stratford and Birmingham as part of our new timetable.
"The increase will make it easier for passengers to enjoy theatre and day-trips. This is just one of many improvements, which include opening up the Trent Valley and running new direct London to Birmingham services, as well as investing £200 million in new trains."
The increased frequencies have been made possible by the use of extra Centro funding which has been generated by a rise in passenger numbers over recent years. One of the two trains each hour in each direction will be a semi-fast service south of Shirley calling only at Wythall and Henley-in-Arden. The other will call at all stations along the line as at present.
The timetable changes will complement a raft of other improvements earmarked for the wider network by London Midland including a fleet of new trains, Smartcard ticketing, improved passenger facilities both at stations and onboard trains and improved passenger security, including CCTV on many carriages.
Over the winter period the Royal Shakespeare Company is performing Shakespeare's great love story, Romeo and Juliet, in repertoire with Don John, a new play presented in association with Kneehigh Theatre. A full schedule of all forthcoming performances can be found at www.rsc.org.uk
