Service promise as Govia starts

Transport chiefs in charge of a new multi-million pound rail franchise through the Black Country and Birmingham have promised passengers will not be left out of pocket if problems hit the service.

Currently if faults occur Central Trains tickets are valid on Travel West Midlands buses and vice versa because they are part of the same group of companies.

But the agreement for London Midlands, the new West Midlands franchise to be run by Govia from November 11, does not include local transport authority Centro as a co-signatory.

Govia is in talks with Centro to forge a new agreement for alternative travel during service disruptions.

National Express currently owns the franchise, meaning it is able to run all of the local services through the Black Country under the banner of Central Trains.

Centro, the West Midlands passenger transport authority, is currently able to insist Central Trains ensure tickets are valid for alternative arrangements.

The move prompted fears the multi-million pound deal would not have guarantees of alternative travel.

Councillor Judith Rowley, who represents Wolverhampton on the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, said: "At a time when we are trying to encourage more people to use public transport they would not be happy if they have to pay again for the same journey."

The new franchise was awarded to Govia on June 21 and will run from November 11 this year until September 19, 2015.