Time up for West Midlands Trains, say angry commuters

Mayor Andy Street asked for views of passengers on his threat to ask the Government to strip West Midlands Trains (WMT) of its franchise ahead of his decision on Monday.

It comes after Northern rail was brought under Government control over persistent failures.

But there may be hope for WMT after the Express & Star revealed this week performance had improved markedly during January. A new managing director has also been brought in to try and steady the ship.

The Mayor labelled WMT's 2019 performance "utterly woeful" after a timetable change resulted in late trains and cancellations on a regular basis.

Most frustrated rail users said time was up for WMT after Mr Street asked his Twitter followers: "So what do you think I should do on this? Have West Midlands Trains improved enough and the compensation package been sufficient to give them a second chance?"

However, some argued the operator deserved to be given more time to show it could improve.

The Mayor has indicated the thoughts of passengers will have a big bearing on his decision. Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted earlier this month WMT's failings could not continue.

Alex Stevens said: "No staff, late trains, overcrowded trains still. 10 per cent improvement in a month where people don't take leave isn't a good enough reason to let them keep the franchise. I've been late to work countless times because of them and had to explain to my manager that I'm always late."

Christine Swan: "The improvement is not consistent. The discounts don't help those of us who can't use a season ticket because of the nature of our work."

Daniela K said: "Not enough improvement. Trains in the morning late almost every single day still and getting a seat on the Stourbridge line is almost impossible. If I'm expected to stand up, squished in like a sardine, I want the tickets to be half price."

Alan Gilmour said: "No no no! No more time! Cancellations remain unacceptable. And overcrowded and short firm trains still the norm. Complaints not answered. Compensation woeful. Half term will be a disaster. Don’t fall for PR spin, Andy, and stuck to your guns."

Matt Parish said: "Improved very very slightly; but only because we’re now not in the holiday season, and also the threat of franchise strip. Still late, still massively overcrowded, short on carriages at peak times. Keep the threat hanging over them and review every few months."

Steven Chapman: "I think a temporary reprieve rather than a second chance. As other state January a quiet month, see how WMT fair during the February half term. Then see what happens at Easter. Remove the shuttle performance from the figures as this artificially increases their performance."

Meanwhile, Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said he intends to press ahead with a public hearing on the region's train network on February 21 after more than 1,000 respondents said overcrowding made them feel unsafe.