West Midlands Railway fleet enters passenger service

A brand new West Midlands Railway (WMR) train fleet welcomed its first passengers on board on Monday 17 October.

Passengers – plus a small band of railway enthusiasts - climbed aboard the Class 196 train at Shrewsbury railway station shortly before 7am for the maiden journey to Birmingham New Street.

The train – 196101 – was officially named “Charles Darwin” by the High Sheriff of Shropshire Selina Graham at a special ceremony last week.

It is one of 26 trains which make up the Class 196 fleet, whose features include intelligent air conditioning, plug and USB chargers at every seat and extra storage space. The trains offer 25% more capacity than the fleet they replace.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I want to see a golden era for rail travel in our region and this £690m investment from West Midlands Railway is a vital and very welcome element in realising that overall vision. 

"These fantastic new trains will make a real difference for passengers - improving the travel experience, connecting communities and providing extra capacity - which is much needed as public transport usage continues to climb post pandemic.

"This announcement celebrates a genuine success story and is a great example of what public private partnership working at its best can achieve for local residents."

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “I am delighted to see our Class 196 trains carrying passengers for the first time today.

“With smart air conditioning, power points at every seat and extra space on board, I am certain these trains will prove a hit with passengers.”

The Class 196 is the first new fleet to be introduced to the West Midlands franchise for more than a decade and is part of WMR’s £690m investment in new trains and infrastructure.

The fleet will run first on the Shrewsbury Line. Initially a small number of journeys will be run by Class 196s as the new trains are drip-fed into service over coming months. The trains are due to enter service on the Hereford Line next year, connecting Birmingham with destinations including Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Worcester.

The name “Charles Darwin” was chosen for the first train in the fleet by WMR staff following an internal poll. It honours the Shrewsbury-born naturalist recognised as one of the greatest Britons of all time.

For more information visit www.wmr.uk/newtrains