First overhauled WMR Class 323 re-enters service

22nd February 2019

The West Midlands Railway fleet on the Cross City Line (Lichfield - Birmingham - Redditch/Bromsgrove) are currently undergoing a major overhaul and the first of the fleet has been released back into traffic today.

The trains are having a fully accessible toilet fitted, along with upgraded passenger information screens, new seat covers and a deep clean of the interior. Following 25 years of operating an intense service on the route, the improvements to these trains will make travelling on the route easier for those requiring accessible facilities and bring them up to a much more modern standard.

Work will continue on the remainder of the fleet and completion is expected by the end of 2020. Above are a selection of images of the first unit to be released back into traffic, 323217.

Neil Bamford, engineering director for West Midlands Railway, said:

“We are committed to improving the experience for passengers using our services. The installation of fully accessible toilets on the Cross City line is an important step in providing an improved experience for all.

While this work is being completed, we are also taking the opportunity to have a major internal overhaul done on the trains. Once the project is complete, all passengers on the line will also benefit from up to date information screens, as well as a refreshed interior on these trains.”

Author: Darren Porter
Image: West Midlands Railway