Firm on track to improve timetable

Wrexham & Shropshire launched its modified weekday timetable this week providing passengers with more convenient train times which it says allows people time to have a full day out in the capital.

But they said there was still scope for improvement with work already under way to introduce another timetable in December.

The latest timetable comes after negotiations with other train operators, work with Network Rail to improve line speeds and even fitting monitoring devices to embankments to assess the impact of different types of trains.

The rail firm said the timetable was designed to make journeys even easier for people travelling to and from London Marylebone.

Thomas Ableman, Wrexham & Shropshire's marketing director, said: "We've listened to what our passengers have to say and have made a real effort to make changes to the timetable that will have a real impact.

"For those travelling back home after a day's business in London, the new timetable now includes a rush-hour train that gets you home at a more reasonable hour.

"Similarly, the 07.23 from Marylebone will make our region much more accessible from London and prove a boom for both businesses and the tourist sector."

Mr Ableman said although Wrexham & Shropshire was adding more trains at peak times and was retaining its "unique" policy of being the only train company in Britain not to charge peak fares.

Its maximum standard class fare from Shrewsbury or Telford to London is £40 return.

He added: "In line with Wrexham & Shropshire's ethos of continuous improvement, work is already under way to look at possible timetable changes to benefit passengers from this December.

"In the meantime, Wrexham & Shropshire remains committed to offering all passengers a high quality, customer focused service, from selling tickets on board to serving freshly prepared food."

By John Kirk