IMPROVEMENTS and new jobs have been created at a key rail depot in Coventry where the region’s newest fleet is maintained.
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has completed a major £5million upgrade at Coventry North Yard, near the city’s railway station.
The upgrades mean WMR’s Class 730 electric fleet – which entered service in the West Midlands last year and has already carried millions of passengers – can be maintained and stabled more effectively.
Since the upgrades were completed, WMR has also been able to recruit four full-time employees.
Depot managers at WMR showcased the upgrades to representatives from local authorities and the wider rail industry at a special event at the site.
The improvements will benefit passengers across dozens of locations in the West Midlands served by Class 730s.
The renovations include new toilet waste extraction technology, enhanced walkways, smart lighting, new CCTV and improved staff rooms.
bringing new jobs to the local area while protecting the roles of existing workers already stationed there.
The upgrades and new recruits allow for six Class 730 trains to be cleaned simultaneously, maximising turnaround time for maintenance to ensure facilities are clean and operational on board.
John Doughty, engineering director at West Midlands Railway, said: “Investing into our depots is a major priority for us so we can improve the quality of service for our passengers across the region. West Midlands Railway is a major employer in the West Midlands and we were delighted to be able to recruit further and improve our efficiency and capacity at Coventry North Yard.”
Coun Pervez Akhtar from Coventry City Council added: “We are very impressed with the work carried out at Coventry North Yard to improve the site and are pleased to see that new jobs have been created as a result.
“Gaining a position at the depot offers a fantastic opportunity to be part of the railway industry, where workers can expand their skills and enjoy a career for life.”
Visit www.wmr.uk/newtrains for more information on WMR’s investment programme.
