Free tickets offer after London Midland rail delays
Passengers affected by months of delays and cancellations on Shropshire's rail network are in line for a share of a £7 million package of benefits, Transport Minister Norman Baker announced today.
Repeated staff shortages have led to serious disruption since October on London Midland, with several services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham New Street cancelled.
But Mr Baker said today the £7 million package of benefits ordered from the company represented a 'firm yellow card' for its poor performance.
Season ticket holders on London Midland trains will be given five days of free travel passes, while there will will also be 500,000 additional cheap advance tickets and a commitment to invest in infrastructure.
Mr Baker said: "I am confident London Midland has now rectified their driver shortage but the company needs to be clear that we will continue to monitor their performance closely and take firmer action if necessary."
A spokesman for London Midland's parent company, the Go-Ahead Group, said today: "We have now put measures in place to ensure we have sufficient drivers to operate our services."