Silver trains see passenger figures soar

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Chiltern Mainline, operated by the company’s distinctive silver trains, celebrated its first anniversary in September.

In the 12 months since its launch, Chiltern has seen passenger figures on their Birmingham to London route soar by 45.8 per cent, with a 33.6 per cent increase in journeys between the West Midlands and London.

Passengers can now travel between the two cities in just 90 minutes due to a £250 million investment in infrastructure along the route, including an increase in line speeds at key locations such as Bicester North and reinstating the through line at Princes Risborough, allowing express services to overtake slower commuter trains.

Further passenger improvements will take place over the coming months, including a new car park at Banbury station and extending the car park at the increasingly popular Warwick Parkway station.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Now, can we have the Chiltern Line electrified up to Birmingham and the single line from Northolt to Old Oak Common reinstated back to twin track main line with links into Crossrail to allow a direct service to and from Central London and also, via the Greenford Branch, a direct Birmingham-Heathrow service?

  2. It’s one hell of a long time ago I watched the last 01.00 ex Birkenhead to Paddington leave Snow Hill on 3rd? March 1967. BR slewed the fast line at Small Heath round to St Andrews Junction, and I recall meeting a friend (who I hardly knew then) later on the 3rd watching the new order. Electric fasts to Euston, and Paddington slows, some via High Wycombe, some via Slough. That was the BR rationalisation era!

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