Bewdley Express trial concludes after welcoming more than 1,000 passengers aboard

The Bewdley Express trial, has ended on a high note with, with more than 1,000 passengers using the service to connect Bewdley with the UK’s main line rail network.

The Severn Valley Railway’s (SVR) eight-week Bewdley Express trial has run a total 96 trial services since October 22.

The service ran on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, offering two early morning connections from Bewdley to Kidderminster and linked the line to beyond Birmingham.

Although the service was primarily aimed at commuters travelling to work in Birmingham and Worcester it also attracted passengers making journeys to a wide range of destinations such as London, Plymouth and Glasgow.

Gus Dunster, the SVR’s chief executive officer, said: “We end the trial with a smile on our faces and a tremendous sense of pride in what we’ve achieved.

“The trial has shown what can be achieved when heritage and main line railways work closely together.

“The SVR’s part in delivering the service was provided largely by our volunteers, many of whom took on very early starts and late finishes to make the timetable work. Their dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm have been outstanding, and I’d like to thank everyone who played a part.”

The trial was designed to explore whether a regular service linking Bewdley with the wider rail network could be viable in the future.

Gus added: “ Whatever happens next, we can be proud of what we have delivered together and of the possibilities it has opened up for the future.”