A councillor has welcomed a new train operator’s plan to add more services to the West Coast Main Line.
First Trenitalia will replace Virgin Trains on the route which links Lichfield Trent Valley to London and the north.
The new franchise will begin to be introduced on routes in December with a contract running until 2026.
The new operator said it would refurbish Pendolino trains and offer more reliable free Wi-Fi and more catering options, as well as saying it will introduce more capacity by 2022.
Cllr Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth and chair of the West Midlands Rail Executive, said: “I welcome the commitment to add more trains and more services on the West Coast Main Line, as well as the promise to upgrade existing rolling stock.
“Good physical and electronic infrastructure are at the heart of Staffordshire’s economic success and investment that improves our links to London, the rest of the country and international airports is to be welcomed.
“I am arranging a meeting with First Trenitalia to discuss Staffordshire’s priorities and how we will be monitoring the delivery of services now and when HS2 is running.”
