Rail passengers in the West Midlands will notice a difference in the appearance of some local train services from weekending 24 March, as the region’s public transport body, Centro-WMPTA unveils a newly decorated Network West Midlands promotional train (150010).
 
The train is the first of six to be painted in a striking new design being introduced over the coming months on the Central Trains operated stock as part of the continuing roll out of Network West Midlands.
 
It will operate on a variety of routes linking Walsall, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Solihull, Shirley and Stourbridge, followed by the other five when they are completed at Wabtec Doncaster.
 
Those wishing to see the train, should be at Walsall railway station on Wednesday 21 March at 09.00 and will be among the first in the region to catch a glimpse of the eye-catching train, which has also been refurbished internally.
 
Cllr Gary Clarke, chairman of Centro-WMPTA, will be at the event to welcome the newly liveried train which is intended to promote the integration of public transport under the Network West Midlands banner - train, tram and bus.
 
He said: “Network West Midlands is the new name that connects all public transport in the West Midlands metropolitan area and clearly identifies the complete network of bus, rail and Metro services. The initiative is designed to make travelling much easier as part of an integrated public transport system. I am delighted to be here to see one of the newly-liveried trains in action. The new design looks absolutely fantastic and integrates perfectly with the Network West Midlands branding at railway and bus stations, bus stops and shelters and Midland Metro stops.”