Nuneaton boost for Coventry rail service

It is encouraging to read that the new West Midlands rail franchise intends to increase the number of train services each day on the Coventry-Nuneaton line.

The route, which regained its passenger train service in May 1997 also saw the re-opening of Bedworth station the following year. Working with a local group and Regional Railways I was involved in chartering special trains to mark both events.

Initially services were operated by first generation diesel multiple units but latterly they have been worked by a single car Class 153 train.

Last year new stations were opened at Ricoh Arena and Bermuda Park, but capacity remained an issue given the use of the single coach train.

Now with plans for an additional bay platform at Coventry and the transfer of two car Class 172 trains from London Overground there are plans to operate the longer trains from the end of next year and then increase the service to two trains an hour - and more frequently on Saturdays.

And all this on a route that lost its passenger service in the late 1960s!