NEW train services are being promised through Bromsgrove after London Midland lost its operations contract - but fares could increase by 3.6 per cent.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced the running of services will be handed to West Midlands Trains Ltd (WMT) from December 10. 

The group's arrival signals the end of London Midland's 10-year reign, with WMT promising to commit nearly £1 billion to improve rail services across the West Midlands. 

Plans include adding additional services on the Birmingham to Hereford line, passing through Bromsgrove. 

But just as news of improved services arrived, rail users across the country were dealt a blow after it was announced today (August 15) that regulated fares will rise by 3.6 per cent from January - the highest since 2011.

WMT will be allowed to raise fares by as much as the Retail Prices Index (RPI) figure, but operators do not always apply the maximum increase. 

While welcoming the pledge of improved services through the town, Bromsgrove Rail User Group (BRUG) issued a note of caution over any fare increases.

Chairman Mike Ponsonby said: "Bromsgrove Rail User Group thoroughly opposes any increase in rail fares as it is yet another example of fleecing the customer while giving an inferior level of service on overcrowded trains, particularly at peak times.

"However, we welcome the additional rail services at each end of the line, particularly late weekend evening services.

"We welcome the provision of extra train carriages in order to reduce overcrowding on the services into Birmingham."

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

(ABOVE: Bromsgrove Railway Station has been run by London Midland since opening last year)

Plans through Bromsgrove include an additional evening service from Birmingham to Worcester, and an earlier first weekday service from Worcester to Birmingham by December 2018.

On Saturdays there will be additional evening services between Birmingham and Hereford in both directions by December 2018, with regular hourly trains between Birmingham and Worcester, and earlier first services between Birmingham and Hereford in both directions by May 2021. 

Sundays will see enhanced frequency between Hereford and Birmingham with at least five additional services in each direction by May 2021.

Plans also include the extension of Cross-City line services from Longbridge to Bromsgrove.

Cllr Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, added: "These improvements, which include extra services and refurbished trains, will have a positive impact and benefit the people of this county.

"We know an efficient transport network is key to our 'open for business' priority and ensuring that Worcestershire continues to have a prosperous economy."

Bromsgrove District Councillor Sean Shannon, who has called for improved services in the town, also welcomed the arrival of WMT - a joint-venture between Abellio, Mitsui and East Japan Railway Company.

He said: "Abellio is a good company and I also welcome East Japan Railway Company.

"This is the first time any Japanese rail company has been involved in the UK and their track record is outstanding.

"They are bringing a lot of investment so it will be good news for Bromsgrove and help us utilise our new station to its full capacity."

WMT will take over the running of services at Bromsgrove, Alvechurch, Barnt Green, and Wythall until March 2026.

Electrification of the line between Bromsgrove and Birmingham, adding an extra three trains an hour, will also come into service in 2018.