A £1MILLION cash injection into Foregate Street railway station by West Midlands Rail chiefs has been welcomed by city MP Robin Walker.
The sum is to be spent upgrading the ticket office and the retail premises currently at the station, as well as the installation of ticket barriers to combat fare evasion while ensuring no hold ups during peak times.
An additional 413 carriages are due to be in service in the region by 2021, by which time capacity will have increased by 25 per cent to combat overcrowding in carriages and lengthy waits on platforms. A number of carriages currently in use by TfL on the Gospel Oak line in London will be in service by next May, while another 40 diesel trains are now on order and under construction in South Wales.
West Midlands Rail discussed their early plans for the future of the station with Mr Walker and the train company is confident that the changes to the station will allow for a better travelling experience due to new and improved stations.
Speaking following a meeting with rail chiefs, Mr Walker welcomed plans for more staff to be present at the station to ensure the safety of passengers on the network as well as making sure those using the station are well-informed.
“While its undoubtedly important to improve the station’s facilities, customer service and customer experience must also be a high priority and I am delighted the plans include improving the accessibility of the station for older travellers and those travellers who are less mobile,” he said.
Aware of the concerns of several constituents regarding the future of the Travel Centre, Mr Walker raised the matter with rail chiefs have was reassured while there may be changes proposed to the current location of the centre as part of the station upgrade they are keen to maintain the current level of service.
“This is an important service to Worcester commuters and the company fully acknowledge the value it adds and will be consulting with local organisations and business groups, as well as members of the public, before reaching any decisions to ensure that the experience of those who use this station will be substantially improved,” he added.
Upon publishing their early plans for the modernisation of the station, West Midlands Rail will launch a public consultation allowing members of the public to have their say in the future of the station.
