Shropshire to London direct rail service approved by regulator

Virgin Trains will operate the service between Shrewsbury and London from 14 December. The service will stop at Shrewsbury, Wellington, Telford, Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street, Birmingham International, Coventry and Rugby (morning service only).

On Weekdays the service will depart Shrewsbury at 6:39am and 3:24pm, with arrival times in Euston at 9:15am and 5:56pm.

Services back to Shrewsbury will leave Euston at 10:23am and 6:23pm, arriving in Shrewsbury at 12:58pm and 8:55pm.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone involved with Virgin Trains,” explained Lead Executive Phil Whittingham. “With our extended franchise we are able to get back to doing what we do best, offering new journey opportunities whilst still delivering the same high standards of service to our customers.

“We have worked hard with our industry partners to gain the approval for these new services. Special thanks must go to the ORR, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. We thank them all for this big vote of confidence.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased and are really looking forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure they are a success and become a permanent fixture of the railway timetable.”

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Direct trains between London and Shrewsbury will be a valuable addition to the services which already connect towns to the rest of the rail network. They will provide greater business and leisure opportunities and will support and develop local economic growth as a result of improved access to the capital.

“We have worked closely with Virgin Trains, the ORR and the wider industry to make this possible to help meet the demands of passengers and will continue to do so ahead of the first services being introduced in December 2014.”

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne has welcomed the Office of Rail Regulation’s decision to approve Virgin Rail’s application to run a direct rail link between Shrewsbury and London.

Mr Dunne said “I am delighted that all the efforts of MPs, Shropshire Council and others to restore a direct rail link between Shrewsbury and London have succeeded. I am particularly grateful for the personal support of the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP, who has been very supportive of our efforts.

"Now we need to continue to work on the timetable for connecting trains at Shrewsbury to maximise convenience and use by those who live south of Shrewsbury served by Arriva Trains Wales.”

Sarah Bird, Business Tourism Manager for Meet Telford & Shropshire, the official convention bureau for the region, said:

“This is fantastic news for the region, and really demonstrates the power of collaborative working between the public and private sectors. This final link will ensure that our region really can compete with the best of UK’s convention cities.

"It is hugely positive news that the importance of direct rail services has been recognised and the campaigning highlights our continued commitment to creating a leading convention destination. Within 3 hours of 70% of the UK, Telford and Shropshire offers a fantastic location for events, and this latest announcement further enhances our appeal and accessibility.”

Just got off phone to Office of Rail Regulator. They have formally approved our Shrewsbury to London link!! Full steam ahead! Daniel https://twitter.com/daniel4shrews/status/514031961703460867

This direct train service Shrewsbury to London will bring significantly more tourism and business investment into our town. I am delighted. https://twitter.com/daniel4shrews/status/514034244990300161