TRAVELLER, presenter and former Monty Python member Michael Palin launched Wrexham and Shropshire’s fleet of newly refurbished trains at Marylebone Station in London last week.
As a travel journalist I have experienced the best and the worst of rail travel. The Wrexham & Shropshire experience proved truly different from the norm,” he said.
“The service is friendly, unrushed and genuinely concerned with your comfort; do you know of anywhere else on today's railway where you'd hear the words "I'll show you to your seat”?
“In the past I have opted for a long and often grinding slog on the motorway due to the lack of a direct rail route. Instead, using Wrexham & Shropshire, I arrived in Shrewsbury feeling in altogether better shape, having done some work and enjoyed a fine meal, cooked to order on the train.
"For me, Wrexham & Shropshire is a pioneer.”
Andy Hamilton, Wrexham & Shropshire’s Managing Director, said: “We believe travelling by train should be an enjoyable, convenient and affordable experience and have remained dedicated to listening to the feedback of our passengers to ensure we provide the very best.
“For us it was the little things that mattered; the seats needed to be comfortable, people needed sockets for laptops, WiFi connections, tables and seats that lined up with windows and toilets that don’t make you dread using the loo.
“We are seeking to set a new standard for rail travel that provides an excellent alternative to the car for both business and leisure travellers.”
Owen Paterson MP was at the launch, and he discussed the development of Wrexham and Shropshire’s service with senior directors.
On top of the £5million investment, upgrading carriages to the highest modern standards, he was told about the £250 million upgrade of 50 miles of line on the Bicester stretch which will allow speeds over 100mph.
This Evergreen 3 upgrade should be completed by December, knocking a further 15 minutes off running times with more to follow.
Mr Paterson stressed to the directors that he is keen for them to achieve further significant reductions before 2012 when he welcomes open competition on the line.
He said: “I am delighted that these newly refurbished trains are now in service. I am a strong supporter of Wrexham and Shropshire and look forward to working with them to further improve the service between North Shropshire and London.”
Despite the recession, Wrexham & Shropshire is announcing a staggering 88.8%* growth in passenger numbers.
It has made its name from challenging the norm – last year the company became the first rail company to abolish peak-time travel fares in favour of one plain and simple walk-up fare.
It is the only train company to offer full catering facilities on board every train, and is now introducing state-of-the-art facilities, including four-star hotel standard toilets.
The company earned a 97% customer satisfaction rating in the annual National Passenger Survey 2009.
Since launching, the service has managed to shave over half an hour off its timetable. The new timetable gets passengers to London before 9am and home again at a more convenient time in the evening