West Midlands Railway (WMR) yesterday (24 March) named one of its newest trains in honour of the region’s most famous composer as the operator prepares to introduce the new fleet onto its Hereford Line.

High Sheriff of Worcestershire Andrew Manning-Cox formally named the train “Sir Edward Elgar” – in a ceremony at Worcester Shrub Hill railway station yesterday morning, in front of invited guests including passenger groups. It is one of twenty-six trains in WMR’s new Class 196 fleet which is being introduced as part of the operator’s £690m investment in new trains and infrastructure.

Elgar is one of Britain’s best-known composers, whose world-famous works include the Pomp and Circumstance Marches and Enigma Variations. He was born in the village of Lower Broadheath, near Worcester, in 1857 and spent much of his life living in the county.

The first of these trains entered service between Birmingham and Shrewsbury in October, which was followed by a period of route testing and driver training. Next month, the new trains are due to begin carrying passengers between Hereford, Worcester, Bromsgrove and Birmingham for the first time.

Earlier this month, local primary school children named one of the trains The Graiseley Wolves.

Later this year the Class 196 fleet is due to enter service on WMR’s Leamington to Nuneaton route, serving communities including Coventry, Kenilworth and Bedworth.

Passenger benefits of the fleet include:

• more seats and tables with improved under-seat storage
• improved accessibility, including at least one accessible toilet per train
• more bicycle storage, enabling up to three bikes to be carried
• clear luggage racks to avoid passengers leaving items behind
• smart new digital screens featuring live journey information
• plug and USB sockets at every seat
• intelligent air-conditioning which reacts to the carriage environment
• free WiFi

For more information on the fleet, click this link.

Ian McConnell, West Midlands Railway managing director, said: “I am delighted our passengers in Hereford and Worcester will soon be travelling on these brand new trains. This fleet brings a much-improved passenger experience, including smart air conditioning which adapts to the carriage environment and power points at every seat.

“Communities are at the heart of our business and the fact that our colleagues have chosen to name one of the trains which will serve this new route after an iconic local figure is testament to that.”

Tom Painter, executive director of West Midlands Rail Executive, said “As a local resident and regular user of the line between Worcester, Hereford and Birmingham, I am delighted to see the introduction of these brand new trains.

“With all their modern features, they will offer customers a journey experience worthy of this beautiful and historic part of central England and the Welsh Marches.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:“I’m delighted that more customers will soon get to benefit from these brand new trains, as it’s vital that we have rail services across our region that are fit for the future and able to support our ambitious plans for growth and prosperity.”