A NEW Explorer train has been introduced by Chiltern Railways on its core Birmingham to London route following a celebration held at Birmingham Moor Street Station, writes Neil Gordon.
The 8.15am Chiltern service to London Marylebone on Tuesday was operated by an Explorer train with senior management, stakeholders and the media on board to commemorate the train’s introduction into service.
All aboard at Moor Street station where Chiltern Railways celebrated the introduction of its Explorer train. Picture by Neil Gordon Media. (1)
The service comprised a set of modern Mk 5A coaches and a class 68 diesel locomotive, with the newer train calling at Solihull and Dorridge whilst enroute to London.
The Explorer train forms part of a huge investment programme Chiltern is rolling out which will see the removal of its 50-year old Mk 3 carriages currently being used, plus investment to improve facilities for customers and staff at various locations on the Midlands to London route.
Chiltern is also committed to decarbonisation of its fleet of older trains, with the class 68 diesel locomotives being fuelled by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
Passengers can now benefit from better facilities on the Mk 5A coaches, including sockets and USB ports at every seat, digital customer information screens, air conditioning, improved luggage space, bike storage and first-class travel.
Chiltern Railways’ Managing Director Richard Allan encourages Observer readers to experience the Explorer train. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
Chiltern Railways’ managing director Richard Allen, who was on Tuesday’s Explorer train, said: “I am thrilled that following months of intensive preparation, we are able to operate the first of our 13 newer trains on services between the West Midlands and London Marylebone, delivering a much better experience for customers.
“Solihull and Dorridge are vital markets to Chiltern on our core Birmingham to London route, and the Explorer trains now compliment these markets.”
Both Solihull and Dorridge are served by the Explorer train. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
Three more Explorer trains will be introduced by March, with all 13 of the trains scheduled for service by December.
A new half-hourly service will then be launched on the Birmingham – London route, comprising an extra 10,000 seats each weekday, with four out of every five services operated by an Explorer.
Explorer train times for Solihull and Dorridge
Chiltern’s 8.15am Explorer operated service to London waits to depart from Birmingam Moor Street on Tuesday. Picture by Neil Gordon Media.
SOLIHULL Observer readers can experience for themselves the Explorer train now operating weekday services on the Birmingham to London route.
Southbound Explorer services are booked at Solihull at 8.25am and 1.53pm and Dorridge at 8.32am and 1.59pm.
Meanwhile, northbound Explorer services are due at Dorridge at 12.54pm and 6.18pm, and Solihull at 12.48pm and 6.24pm.
Anyone going to see Explorer services is reminded they are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others at all times, and that trespassing on the railway is strictly prohibited.
