Train link sure to boost county says minister
Direct train services between Shropshire and London will provide a ‘real boost’ for the county, rail minister Theresa Villiers said today.
Direct train services between Shropshire and London will provide a ‘real boost’ for the county, rail minister Theresa Villiers said today.
FirstGroup has been handed a contract to run the InterCity West Coast main line franchise in a £5.5 billion deal with the Government that includes the introduction of direct trains between London and Telford and Shrewsbury from 2016.
Mrs Villiers said the new services would provide a number of benefits for the county.
“The new service that First Group plan to run from Shrewsbury and Telford to London would provide a real boost for Shropshire,” she said.
Mrs Villiers praised Shropshire’s MPs for campaigning rigorously for the return of a direct link to London.
Ousted franchise holders Virgin said it had also been planning to introduce direct trains to the county, with its services scheduled to come into place by the end of 2015.
Business leaders and politicians have pledged to fight to get the direct service from FirstGroup introduced more quickly.
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Comments for: "Train link sure to boost county says minister "
The Original Jake
It ain't going to happen. Everybody knows this.
The Original Jake
I don't remember hitting Submit on this comment! I made the second comment instead :/
The Original Jake
Surprise surprise... politician says "Bad decision good for Shropshire".
Shropshire knows the promises ain't gonna be kept.
jane's mum
If they intend to do it why not do it now, or at least within the next 12 months, why is it taking 4 years? I fear 'the original jake' is right, this won't happen.
Roger
Easy words for Theresa Villiers. Neither she or her government will be in power in 2016. This is talking up expectations in advance of an an election. First group will be talking down expectation as soon as possible. Only relentless pressure on both First Group and Politicians of all colours will lead to a serious consideration of our capital service. Theresa Villiers described the proposal as a trial service in another statement so beware.
Colin Dodd.
I wonder what this woman's qualifications are, apart from being chummy with Camoron.
Has the county suffered a decline in prosperity since the last London link closed?
Due to the horrendous sum paid for the contract, will the fares be too high to be viable?
The last link closed, I believe, through lack of patronage. Where are all the passengers coming from this time?
I reckon Jake has it right, so much pie in the sky.
H. St. John Peasbody
The direct link might save 15 minutes by not having to change at New Street. How will saving 15 minutes on a two hour journey create a "real boost"?