A direct route between Wrexham and London Marylebone has been approved by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). Developed by Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone Railway Company (WSMR), the new service is a joint venture between shareholders Renaissance Trains and Laing Rail.
The ORR has approved track access rights in agreement with Network Rail, which will come into effect in December 2007 and run for seven years. The rights will enable WSMR to operate five services each day on weekdays and three services each way on Saturday, plus three northbound and two southbound services on Sunday.
A frequent, regular, through service from Wrexham and Shropshire to London will run from Wrexham via Ruabon, Chirk, Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Telford and Tame Bridge Parkway to London Marylebone.Other stations, including Wellington and Cosford, will be served by some trains.
”We balanced the interests of all rail users affected by WSMR”s proposed services assessing the effect of the new services on franchised services; and the more general benefits that will arise from the promotion of competition on the network,” said ORR chief executive, Bill Emery.
”The new route will bring significant benefits to passengers, particularly to Wrexham and other areas of Wales and Shropshire that will receive a new direct service connecting them to London.”
WSMR managing director, Andy Hamilton, confirmed that the company has been receiving strong support from residents of the West Midlands, Shropshire and Wales in lead-up to the new service.
WSMR expects to operate trainsets formed of a single class 67 diesel-electric locomotive, three air-conditioned MkIII carriages, and a driving van trailer (DVT) at the rear. All will be painted in the silver and grey Wrexham & Shropshire livery.
Passenger services are set to begin in spring 2008, once refurbishment of the trains is completed. The launch date is to be confirmed in the New Year.
Laing Rail will provide the main expertise in terms of Operations. The company is a subsidiary of John Laing, whose other involvements include the Chiltern Railways franchise and a 50% share in the London Overground concession.