Class 153 Returns To Stourbridge Branch

摘要

Operation of the Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town branch reverted to a Class 153 DMU from March 15.rnClass 153 usage had ended last December with the onset of the winter timetable with a switch to a Class 139 'Parry People Mover' (PPM) anticpat-ed under London Midland's franchise commitment.rnBut, after the Class 153 service ended, a bus replacement service had to be introduced to allow for completion of PPM testing and the training of drivers by sub-contractor Pre Metro Operations.rnYet, three months on, there is no sign of the PPM carrying fare-paying passengers, even though the unit has been 'accepted' by owners Porterbrook, and clearly there is some annoyance on the part of both London Midland and PPM at the delay, which is understood to be connected with the approvals process.