West Midlands Railway has completed a £3 million investment at its Shrewsbury depot to improve service quality, boost regional connectivity, and support its modern fleet. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

West Midlands Railway has completed a £3 million investment at its Shrewsbury depot to improve service quality, boost regional connectivity, and support its modern fleet
Photo: WMR

The site now includes smart lighting, updated fuelling stations, more servicing capacity, safer walkways, and upgraded employee areas. These improvements aim to enhance operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

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West Midlands Railway Expands Depot to Support New Trains

The Shrewsbury depot upgrade follows the rollout of Class 196 trains between Shrewsbury and Birmingham. These units have helped improve comfort and reliability on the line.

Transport for Wales has also introduced new Class 197 trains in 2023, with both operators aligning infrastructure with updated rolling stock and service standards.

Three new technicians joined the team, creating skilled jobs for the local workforce. This step supports long-term development while improving train readiness and maintenance turnaround times.

West Midlands Railway Commits to Long-Term Infrastructure Growth

This investment is part of a £1 billion rail improvement plan led by West Midlands Railway and its sister brand, London Northwestern Railway. Parallel upgrades are underway at the Tyseley depot in Birmingham.

John Doughty, the company’s engineering director, emphasized the importance of modern facilities for performance. “We’re equipping our teams with the right tools to deliver reliable, high-quality service daily,” he noted.

Project manager Arnaud Dewally highlighted Shrewsbury’s key role in the Cambrian Line. The depot now plays a vital part in supporting Wales and Borders network operations.

MP Julia Buckley welcomed the upgrades, noting better seating, accessibility, and travel conditions for residents. She stressed that reliable rail links are crucial for commuters, students, and local businesses.

This modernized depot strengthens the backbone of West Midlands Railway operations, combining infrastructure growth with community-focused service improvements.

Source: railuk.com

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