THE CAMPAIGN for a two hour train service between Worcester and London is still on track after the city’s MP kept up the pressure on transport chiefs.
Robin Walker questioned the Transport Minister in Parliament over whether the Government was still committed to delivering a quicker journey time from Worcester to the capital.
The city’s MP has campaigned heavily over the issue by claiming reduced journey times will boost business and tourism and has met with Great Western Railways chiefs who are working to speed up the route.
And Claire Perry, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, confirmed work has begun on reducing journey times.
“There is a lot of work being done on finding ways to improve journey times, but my hon. Friend is absolutely right to suggest there is a lot to be done,” she said.
“We have started the work on delivery.”
In response, Mr Walker said: “The campaign for a two hour journey time for Worcester will not be finished until we achieve a regular service of under two hours.
“It is welcome that there is one already available but this is not at the most useful time of day and we really need a two hour service in each direction.
“I want no stone unturned in achieving this as it is essential to make full use of our line and maximise the benefits to the local economy.
“I was delighted to hear the Minister say that work has started on the delivery of this.
“It could make a massive difference to local businesspeople who currently too often travel via Birmingham to reach the capital and in attracting tourists from around the world to visit our beautiful county.
“When cities a similar distance can get a 90 minute service, getting ours down to 120 minutes seems an eminently reasonable demand,” he added.
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