Cllr David Hopkins took the opportunity today (30 October) to attend the unveiling of the refurbished Class 150 trains that will begin operating on the Marston Vale line, between Bletchley and Bedford, as a peak time only service from the middle of November and with a full timetable early in the new year.
Built in the 1980’s the trains have been sourced from Northern Rail but bear little resemblance to the trains withdrawn five years ago.
The trains have been extensively refurbished when compared with those withdrawn from the line in March 2019. The trains now feature a universally accessible toilet, an upgraded passenger information system and USB charging points throughout the carriages. The train also features CCTV and has much improved space for bicycles.
Cllr Hopkins, whose Danesborough and Walton ward includes the stations at Woburn Sands and Bow Brickhill comments
‘the passenger train service has been out of action for over a year following the withdrawal of the class 230 trains which repeatedly suffered from mechanical failures. I have committed locally to work with partners along the entire length of the line to remarket the service and attract back those customers who have taken up alternatives to train use and will work with London Northwestern Railway (the service operator) to market the service through offers and promotions’.
