Rail firm urged to cut journey time

Saturday 23rd January 2010, 9:56AM GMT.

Michael Palin, with North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson and Wrexham & Shropshire MD Andy Hamilton at the launch of Wrexham & Shropshire's new fleet earlier this week

The Wrexham and Shropshire railway must reduce its running time to London before there is open competition on the line, a Shropshire MP has said.

North Shropshire MP, Owen Paterson, said he was pleased by a scheme to upgrade the carriages on the trains, which was knocking 15 minutes off the journey to the capital.

Michael Palin launched Wrexham and Shropshire’s fleet of newly refurbished trains at Marylebone station this week, giving Mr Paterson the chance to discuss the development of the service with senior directors.

“On top of the £5 million investment, upgrading carriages to the highest modern standards, I was delighted to learn more about the £250 million upgrade of 50 miles of line on the Bicester stretch which will allow speeds over 100mph,” he said

“This Evergreen 3 upgrade should knock a further 15 minutes off running times with more to follow. I am keen for the directors to achieve further significant reductions before 2012 when I welcome open competition on the line.

“I am delighted that these newly refurbished trains are now in service. I am a strong supporter of Wrexham and Shropshire and look forward to working with them to further improve the service between North Shropshire and London.”

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