Day-trippers heading to historic Stratford or shopaholics travelling in the opposite direction to Birmingham’s flagship stores are to get more Saturday train services this summer.
Centro, the region’s transport authority, and train company London Midland are to double the number of services running between Birmingham Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon each Saturday.
Starting on May 29, those heading to the world renowned Royal Shakespeare Company or for a day out in the Bard’s home town will now get two trains an hour instead of one.
Meanwhile those in outlying areas coming into Birmingham for some retail therapy can avoid the traffic jams by jumping onboard the new services.
Cllr Tim Huxtable, Centro’s lead member for rail and Metro operations, said: “Birmingham and Stratford are both major destinations and these extra trains will make it even more convenient for people to visit them.
“With research showing that Saturday is now the worst day of the week for road congestion in and around central Birmingham, these new half hourly services mean people can avoid the jams as well as the frustration of finding a parking space.”
London Midland managing director, Mike Hodson, said: “This is great news for passengers travelling between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, especially as the summer season approaches. Punctuality at London Midland is at its best ever levels so we’re looking forward to seeing more people on our trains.”
Passengers getting off at Stratford-upon-Avon will be greeted by a revamped station this summer.
Network Rail has just completed a £560,000 refurbishment including a new Platform 1 canopy to protect them from the elements.
London Midland is also introducing extra stops on the 0733 Longbridge to Lichfield Trent Valley service, which will additionally call at Butlers Lane and Blake Street.
Passengers in Barnt Green will get an extra stop on the 0759 Birmingham New Street to Great Malvern service.
