Cross City Line to Introduce New Trains: Say Goodbye to Class 323

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 3, 2024 23:30 PMNews
Share:
A West Midlands Railway train on the tracks
New Class 730 set to enhance capacity. Source: unsplash

This spring, travelers on the Cross City line in the West Midlands will experience a significant upgrade as the long-serving Class 323 trains are replaced by the new Class 730 models. This transition marks a major milestone in the ongoing modernization of regional rail services.

The Class 323 trains, which have been in operation since 1994, have been a familiar sight on the Cross City line, connecting destinations such as Lichfield, Birmingham New Street, Redditch, and Bromsgrove. These trains also provided vital links to Wolverhampton, Walsall, and occasionally Coventry. Known for their reliability, the Class 323s typically ran as six-carriage trains, maintained at the dedicated Soho depot on the New Street to Wolverhampton route.

As part of a £1 billion investment in West Midlands Railway, the new Class 730 trains are set to enhance travel capacity and provide modern amenities for passengers. Despite delays caused by the pandemic, the first of these new trains are expected to enter service through New Street in the coming weeks.

To facilitate the introduction of the Class 730 fleet, the initial three Class 323 units will be relocated to Manchester in early January. This move will free up space at the Soho depot and on the network, although it will temporarily reduce the number of available trains. As a result, some services may experience adjustments in their schedules.

Efforts are being made to minimize any inconvenience to travelers. Railway teams have been meticulously planning timetables to manage the temporary shortfall and ensure a smooth transition. Coordination with Northern Trains, which will receive the Class 323 units, aims to maintain capacity and service levels across both networks.

During the spring of 2024, certain peak-time services between Four Oaks and Redditch on the Cross City line will operate with three carriages instead of six. This change is based on data indicating that these services can handle the reduced capacity without significant impact on passengers. Some off-peak services will also see fewer carriages, but no major overcrowding is expected.

Travelers are advised to check train times using the online journey planner and consider adjusting their travel times for a more comfortable experience. The railway is committed to restoring six-carriage formations as soon as the new Class 730 trains are fully operational, ensuring enhanced travel for all passengers.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM