Environmentally – friendly rail technology gives 99.5% reliability performance in 2010

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London Midland’s innovative Stourbridge branch line service has recorded 99.5 % reliability in 2010 while providing nearly seventy thousand services for passengers.

In the first full calendar year of operation for its lightweight, low-energy Class 139 railcars, the proportion of timetabled services operatedon schedule and on time was 99.5%.  This high level of performance was maintained even in the challenging winter conditions at the beginning and end of the year, when many rail services elsewhere in Britain were affected by problems associated with leaf fall, snow and freezing temperatures.

Over 68,000 timetabled trips along the line were made by the two railcars in 2010.  The number of passenger journeys made on the branch during the year was 465,000.  Passenger numbers rose by around 20% compared to 2009, indicating the popularity of the service with the travelling public.

The operation is not only a technical innovation, but an operating one as well.  The flywheel-hybrid Parry People Movers railcars are operated and maintained under subcontract by Pre Metro Operations Ltd, bringing a totally new approach to the provision of cost-effective short branch line rail services, but keeping the operation clearly identified as part of London Midland.

Phil Evans, chief executive of Pre Metro Operations Ltd, which operates the branch line service on behalf of London Midland, said: “I am pleased to see the results from the first full year’s operation.  The operating and technical staff must be congratulated for what they have achieved.  We know it’s just one branch line, but it is fantastic to see these reliability figures, which at 99.5%, are up there with the very best in the business.”

John Parry, chairman of the railcar suppliers Parry People Movers Ltd, said: “Our vehicles are designed to operate in all conditions and 2010 shows that they can do just that.  The teamwork of the operators, engineers and support staff has come together to produce a great result.

This is a solid demonstration of how lightweight rail – which cuts carbon and costs – can help make big improvements to local transport.  We now must move onwards to supply railcars and trams for many more applications, both in the UK and abroad.”

Neil Bamford, engineering director of London Midland, said: “The Parry People Movers railcars are our smallest trains, but they’re gaining a good reputation for reliable service.  We’re pleased to be involved with the first full application of this innovation in engineering and operation, and are delighted to see these results for 2010.  All involved are to be congratulated for their contribution to this outcome.”

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