The Severn Valley Railway has announced its timetable plans for the new season.

Services on the popular railway started during the February Half Term, but things will step up during the run up to Easter.

From the 26th March, the line will have more steam and diesel hauled services, as well as the popular DMU which has returned to service recently.

Three timetables will feature, A, B and C and have been designed to expand the number of services in anticipation of higher and lower passenger numbers.

For example, timetable C will feature three steam services and one diesel service.

The DMU will allow for a mid-morning departure from Bridgnorth, something that was missed last year.

“Last year was all about survival,” said the SVR’s head of operations, Steve Wainwright. “We were faced with huge uncertainty over passenger numbers as well as spiralling costs, and we had to be extremely cautious with our timetables.

“As we approach our main running season in 2024, we can be a little more optimistic. Our expert  timetabling team has taken all the factors into account, including the need to provide a great visitor experience, to keep costs under control, to fully man our trains, stations and signal boxes from our pool of volunteer staff, and to make best use of our small resident operational steam fleet.”

“We’re delighted with what the timetabling team has devised,” added visitor experience manager Lewis Maddox. “Their plans allow for an innovative timetable, within a realistic budget, which can be comfortably managed within the constraints of our fleet and pool of staff. Plus, we’ve built in the capacity to earn extra revenue from charter trains.

“It’s going to allow for a fantastic day out for passengers, with plenty of choice of services, and on many days the chance to travel behind or encounter three different types of traction! And that’s what a day at the SVR is all about – travelling back to the golden age of heritage rail and making unforgettable memories.”