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

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.