WEST Midlands Railway (WMR), which suspended services on three of its lines in full or part – because of staff shortages, is to reintroduce trains, now the situation has improved.
The effects of Covid-19 on staff meant many of the Nuneaton-Leamington Spa services were operated as a rail replacement, simply because of the numbers of staff falling ill, but also to protect other WMR services. A similar situation had occurred on the Marston Vale Line (Bedford-Bletchley) and the Abbey Line (Watford Junction-St Albans Abbey) with a mix of rail replacement and amended timetables.
A greater stability of staff numbers means that from February 14, Marston Vale services recommenced, albeit on a reduced level. Abbey Line services were reinstated in full except for two evening trains from February 21.
On the ‘NUCKLE’ line (Nuneaton/Coventry/ Kenilworth/Leamington), a full service recommenced from February 27. WMR said updated timetables were being issued for all lines.