Shropshire train timetable delay 'disappointing'
The delayed introduction of a new hourly train service is "regrettable" council officials have said.
Councillor Hilda Rhodes, said Telford & Wrekin Council was "disappointed" at West Midlands Trains' announcement that the new timetable had been delayed for five months.
The original plan was for the new “significantly enhanced” timetable serving Telford to be introduced in December.
However, the possibility that the electrification of the Cannock Chase Line will not be delivered on time has led to the Department for Transport accepting a recommendation that the new timetable should be put back until May 2019.
The electrification is important to the overall structure of the West Midlands Trains timetable as it allows diesel trains to be moved elsewhere in the region to provide new services.
Councillor Rhodes, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Transport, said: “While we understand the reasons for the decision to delay the introduction of the new timetable, it is both disappointing and regrettable that this has had to happen.
“Ideally we would have preferred for the new enhanced timetable to be introduced on schedule in December as there will be significant benefits for our residents.
“However we understand there is a need to protect passengers from any potential delay and avoiding disruption is of paramount importance.”
