A STOURBRIDGE group dedicated to improving the standard of public transport across the region is looking ahead to major train changes in 2017.

The Stourbridge Line User Group (SLUG), which represents passengers on the Worcester to Birmingham route, via Kidderminster and Stourbridge, will be looking to build on its 2016 achievements into this year, as a new rail franchise gets set to take over.

The London Midland franchise is up for grabs in 2017, with Abellio as well as Govia, owners of the current London Midland operation, having submitted bids to run the trains from October.

However, the new franchise will be different, as local trains – including almost all Stourbridge line services – will be principally overseen by West Midlands Rail, which is made up of the region’s local authorities.

William Whiting, the group’s deputy chairman, said: “Local authorities are now getting much more input to the specification and the management of West Midlands rail services.

“The Stourbridge Line User Group has long developed positive working relationships with the various local authorities and this puts us in a good position for the future.

“We have already seen changes in line with some of our campaigns, and hopefully we can make passengers' views heard more clearly with this devolution.”

Earlier last year, the group submitted its response to the franchise consultation including calls for better evening and weekend services, and was delighted when these were included in the specification for the new franchise.

Mr Whiting added: “Unfortunately it’s not all positive. It’s obvious that the Stourbridge line needs an earlier start to Sunday services, but this is not part of the franchise specification.

“We have also made it clear that the Stourbridge line needs improved connections to other rail services to realise its potential, including giving better access to Birmingham Airport, central Worcestershire, south Wales and the south west in line with the regional transport strategy.”

Although the planned extension of Midland Metro tram services will connect with the Stourbridge line and eventually through to Brierley Hill, Mr Whiting thinks the move will leave a “missing link” between Stourbridge and Dudley.

“Metro should reach Brierley Hill from Wednesbury in the early 2020s,” he said. “But that will

leave a missing link which will prevent rail travel between Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Dudley.

“That gap needs to be closed to provide a decent transport network.”

SLUG is looking at holding a public meeting in May where members can put questions to representatives of train operators and local authorities, similar to a successful event ran in 2016.

For more information about the work of the SLUG, or to become a member, visit www.stourbridgelineusergroup.info