Extension for London Midland contract

London Midland, part of the Go-Ahead Group, has been awarded a new contract to continue operating train services in the West Midlands until October 2017.

The Department for Transport contract includes introducing schemes to benefit passengers, including providing free Wifi on trains, throughout the duration of the new franchise which runs from April next year.

David Brown, The Go-Ahead Group chief executive, said: "We're pleased that the Government has put its confidence in London Midland to continue operating the West Midlands franchise and also deliver further enhancements for passengers such as extra train services, free Wifi, and additional car parking at busy stations. The plans offer benefits for passengers, taxpayers and the local communities that are served."

The contract includes putting on two extra evening services every weekday from London to the Trent Valley, providing an additional 2,300 seats from Euston each week and earlier services to central Birmingham on Sunday mornings from surrounding towns including Lichfield.

It is also planned to introduce new and upgraded ticket machines at selected stations, with new 'click and collect' and contactless payment options.

There will also be new targets to improve customer satisfaction and train punctuality.