THE new operator of train services through Bromsgrove has taken over from London Midland, on the week of a deluge of snow, ice, and travel disruption.

West Midlands Trains (WMT) took charge of the service on Monday, marking the start of a £1 billion investment into the region's train network.

The operator admitted prior to the handover that it was looking forward to a "potentially testing first day".

It indeed marked its inaugural day with disruption warnings, along with two launch events to celebrate a new direction for trains in the region.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard, said: “I am delighted to welcome the beginning of a new era in the West Midlands for rail passengers.

“This government is delivering the biggest rail modernisation programme for over a century and we are committed to giving passengers the services they want across the country.

“The new West Midlands franchise will transform travel for tens of thousands of passengers thanks to over £1bn of investment - which will mean longer, more frequent trains, faster journeys and a more reliable service for passengers.“

WMT is a joint venture between Abellio, Mitsui, and East Japan Railway Company and won the right to operate the franchise in August, ending London Midland's 10-year reign.

Two new brands – West Midlands Railway (WMR) and London Northwestern Railway (LNR) - will operate as a result.

WMR will operate in and around Birmingham and LNR will operate on the Euston, Northampton, Birmingham and Liverpool corridor.

As part of the £1bn investment, £680m will go on new trains manufactured by Bombardier and CAF.

By the end of the franchise there will be 25 per cent more carriages on the network than at the beginning.

There’ll also be £70m towards new and existing depots as well as £60m on station improvements and extra services to London and Birmingham during rush hour.

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