A new West Midlands Railway (WMR) train fleet has carried its first passengers on the Hereford Line.

The Class 196 train left Birmingham New Street shortly before 6pm on Monday 17 April for its maiden journey to Worcester Shrub Hill.

The introduction of the new fleet means that the trains are now serving passengers in new locations including Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Worcester. The start of passenger services on the route follows the fleet’s introduction on the Shrewsbury Line in October.

The first train in passenger service was formed of a pair of two-carriage trains – 196005 and 196006.

The fleet of twenty-six Class 196 trains boasts features including intelligent air conditioning, plug and USB chargers at every seat, and extra storage space. The trains offer 25% more capacity than the trains they have replaced.

To begin with, only a small number of journeys on the Hereford Line will be run by Class 196s, as the operator plans to ‘drip-feed’ the new trains into service over the coming months.

The trains are also due to enter service on the Leamington to Nuneaton route later this year, serving communities including Coventry, Kenilworth and Bedworth.

The Class 196 is the first new fleet to be introduced to the West Midlands franchise for over ten years and is part of WMR’s £690m investment in new trains and infrastructure.

One of the trains in the fleet – 196004 – was officially named ‘Sir Edward Elgar’ by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Andrew Manning-Cox at a special ceremony last month. WMR staff chose the name was chosen in honour of the Worcestershire-born composer.

Another of the trains was named ‘Graiseley Wolves’ by local primary school pupils.

More information on the new trains can be found over on the West Midlands Railway website.

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway’s customer experience director, said: “I am delighted that even more passengers are now able to take advantage of our newest train fleet with the rollout of the Class 196s onto the Hereford Line.

“With smart air conditioning, power points at every seat and extra space on board, I am certain these trains will prove a hit with our passengers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.”