Date set for 730s to enter service on Birmingham Cross-City line

Sources at West Midlands Railway have told Chime Whistle Publishing that the first class 730s are scheduled to enter passenger service on Birmingham’s Cross-City line on 15 April. Initially, the class will enter service in pairs.

At the same time as the first 730s are introduced, class 323s 323202 and 323206 will be stood down – in preparation for cascading.

The 730s had originally been scheduled for introduction on 8 April, but this has been delayed by a week due to industrial action short of a strike. While no decision has been made regarding which class 323 will be the final one in service in the West Midlands, it is expected to be retro liveried 323221.

‘Secret’ behind the scenes tales of conflict – which will leave readers astonished – regarding the final months of class 323 operation, along with the introduction of the class 730s, will feature in the upcoming book ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Train to the Midlands’ , due out in June. Final few unreserved copies remaining. https://www.chimewhistle.co.uk/shop/p/afunnythinghappenedonthetraintothemidlands