West Midlands Railway (WMR) has completed a significant GBP 5 million upgrade at its Coventry North Yard maintenance facility. The improvements are designed to enhance the servicing and stabling of the Class 730 electric train fleet, which began operating in the West Midlands last year and has already transported millions of passengers.
The upgraded facility, located near Coventry railway station, was unveiled at an event attended by local authority representatives and members of the rail industry on January 24. The enhancements are part of a broader GBP 1 billion investment by WMR and its sister company, London Northwestern Railway, aimed at modernizing trains and infrastructure across the region.
The Coventry depot upgrades complement ongoing modernization efforts at other facilities, including Soho depot in Smethwick, the primary base for Class 730 trains, and Tyseley depot in Birmingham, where diesel trains are maintained. These investments aim to improve service reliability and passenger experience on key routes, such as Birmingham’s Cross City Line, the Rugeley to Birmingham International line, and the Wolverhampton to Walsall route.
The renovation at Coventry North Yard includes several key improvements, such as advanced toilet waste extraction systems, upgraded walkways, smart lighting, enhanced CCTV, and modernized staff facilities. These changes have allowed the depot to simultaneously clean up to six Class 730 trains, streamlining maintenance processes and minimizing turnaround times.
The upgrades have also brought economic benefits to the area. Four full-time employees have been added to the workforce, creating new opportunities while safeguarding the roles of existing staff.
“Investing in our depots is a key priority to enhance the quality of service for passengers across the region. The improvements at Coventry North Yard have increased our efficiency and capacity, allowing us to better support the new fleet and maintain high standards of service,” John Doughty, Engineering Director at West Midlands Railway, said.
With the completion of this upgrade, West Midlands Railway continues its mission to modernize regional rail infrastructure, enhancing passenger experience and supporting local economic growth.
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