TWO local MPs have taken a trip on an additional train service linking Lichfield Trent Valley with Liverpool and London.
Avanti West Coast has added three additional trains to the timetable on the West Coast Main Line this week.
Dave Robertson MP and Sarah Edwards MP were among the first passengers to take advantage of the extra service.
Mr Robertson said:
“This new service is a step in the right direction, as it will see more trains calling at Lichfield Trent Valley with more seats available – giving more opportunity for people to travel.
“It will also provide a direct link to a major city in the North West and make it easier for commuters in Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages to get to London.
“Having boarded the service this week, it was clear that many improvements have been made to the customer experience including improved accessibility and more comfortable seating.”
The new trains will be see a weekday London-bound service from Lichfield Trent Valley at 10.14am and 11.15am, along with Liverpool-bound services at 2.23pm and 5.16pm.
Saturdays will see additional London-bound services at 8.15am, 10.15am and 2.15pm.
Passengers travelling on Sundays can head south on an extra train from Lichfield at 1.15pm or north on the additional 3.24pm service, but the company is facing disruption in the New Year after members of the RMT union voted to strike on Sundays due to a dispute over rest day working.
Andy Mellors, managing director for Avanti West Coast, said:
“We’re excited to have introduced our new timetable, one that delivers on our commitment to run more services from Lichfield and Tamworth to improve connectivity, with the ultimate aim of encouraging more people to travel by train.”
Just in time for reduced services due to strike action