West Midlands Trains: Under-fire rail firm must invest £20m extra on services

West Midlands Trains said it would soon confirm "discounts covering February half-term and beyond" to compensate customers

The government has told West Midlands Trains (WMT) it must spend an extra £20m improving services and reducing delays following "poor performance".

The firm saw its satisfaction levels plummet last year after cancellations and delays, including what was called a "shocking week of poor service".

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it must rapidly improve services so people had trains they could rely on.

WMT said it had already improved and had developed a "robust recovery plan".

The train operator, which also runs London NorthWestern services, apologised in November when it was revealed the number of compensation claims from passengers was 10 times higher than average.

Passenger Jo Martyr said fewer carriages between Birmingham and Worcester caused overcrowding and was "anxiety-inducing".

Meanwhile, passengers in Rugeley, Staffordshire, said last summer they were regularly being ordered off trains which turned around earlier to make up for delays.

Mr Shapps said the firm, which took over the franchise in December 2017, had "failed to fulfil their obligations".

"As a commuter myself I understand all too well the endless frustration caused by endless delays and cancellations," he said.

The £20m funding will be used for measures including:

• Offering a 3% discount on season ticket renewals and 10% reduction in off-peak fares in July and August 2020

• Timetable improvements in May and December

• Recruiting more drivers and senior conductors after staff shortages

West Midlands Trains took over the franchise two years ago

Andy Street, the Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, said he was pleased the money would be invested locally, adding he would keep WMT "under strict review".

Julian Edwards, WMT managing director, who said in January more drivers were being recruited, said: "Our performance in the second half of last year was simply unacceptable and we apologise to all our customers for this.

"Passengers can be assured we have developed a robust recovery plan which builds on our recent improved reliability."

The extra investment was on top of its £1bn investment commitment and would be used to benefit "all our customers and restores the reliable rail service they deserve", he said.