WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Harriett Baldwin has called for urgent action after a rail operator confirmed a series of broken promises to commuters.
The troubled West Midlands Train service between Hereford and Birmingham has under-performed throughout the period of its franchise, which it took over in 2017.
And in a briefing call to the MP, the management team confirmed that it has still not met promises to add extra capacity and more drivers to improve the commuter services.
In 2020, the company was threatened with losing the franchise, but it replaced its managing director and pledged to improve services and capacity.
However, as more rail users return to the commuter services, West Midlands Trains has cancelled many services – often at short notice – and left commuters stranded.
Harriett said: “I have had a series of complaints from constituents and as a regular rail user myself, I too often see frustrated rail users on platforms and hand-written signs confirming the latest cancellations and excuses.
“The franchise was won on the promised of less crowded journeys, extra carriages and a comprehensive driver recruitment programme to alleviate the impact of staff absence.
“While 100 new drivers have been recruited, the pandemic has slowed training. By its own admission, none of the promises have yet been met and I am disappointed that the company’s management continue to let down local commuters and communicate so poorly with their customers.
“I have asked for urgent action and I will be sharing my concerns with Ministers when Parliament returns in the New Year.”
