TRAIN passengers in Kidderminster face “crush conditions” on their morning commute following the withdrawal of a popular service, according to a campaign group.
As part of a timetable change from Monday, Chiltern Rail-ways will no longer run its 6.30am Kidderminster to Birmingham Moor Street train, which has 275 seats.
The company is advising passengers to use the 6.36am service operated by London Midland instead, which is run on a train with 222 seats and often has standing room only.
Kevin Chapman, of the West Midlands Campaign for Better Transport, said the decision was a mistake.
He added: “This is a totally unacceptable move.
“Undoubtedly, some passengers will find using the train too much of a strain and conclude using their car is more reliable and comfortable than the sardine special.”
The company’s new timetable is being introduced after the completion of a two-year project to create the Chiltern Mainline, which saw 55 miles of track replaced.
Mr Chapman said: “Why on earth have the planners allowed the withdrawal of this service, which could mean passengers either being left behind or crammed in on packed trains?”
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