'I took a trip on the new electric fleet of trains – Walsall commuters will be chuffed!'

According to the rail firm, the Class 730 trains promise a more spacious feel, more bike storage areas, at least one accessible toilet per train, clear luggage racks to minimise forgotten bags, improved digital information screens, USB sockets and plugs for every seat, underfloor heating, intelligent air conditioning and free WiFi. 

With a top speed of 90mh, and a huge 40 per cent increase in capacity able to carry 546 people at one time, the fancy trains were certainly welcome by commuters who are increasingly worried about the environment, and of particular interest to regular commuters – like myself – who spend at least 10 minutes each day fighting for leg room on a packed out train before barely even beginning an email-filled day.  

In a nutshell – the new trains are brilliant. 

My experience was great, the firm aimed to offer a collection of carriages designed to make travel more comfortable, and they certainly achieved that in my opinion, which I could see as soon as I stepped onboard.  

I have spent the best part of decade using trains for work, in cities all over the country, so I feel pretty versed on the good and bad and was immediately struck by the width of the carriages, it didn't feel at all like I was being crushed into a corner, instead there was room to walk on, settle and find a seat.

At the moment around 1 in 10 trains at Walsall is a Class 730, but by Christmas it is expected the majority will be, as more drivers are trained on them. The trains replace 20-year-old rolling stock.  

While on the trip I spoke to three other commuters who regularly use train services and all agreed on the positive impact using electric trains could have on the environment, as well as feeling good about the extra focus on comfort so that they could have a more enjoyable time on there travels. 

University student, Naomi, 19, from Walsall, said she's 'very happy' to see the development of electric trains, mostly because of the good they'll do for the planet. 

She said: "I use the trains pretty often to get to and from university. 

"I'm very happy to see the development of electric trains because I care a lot about the environment and this is a great step forward."

Another user, Jack Johnstone, 28, from Willenhall, said he's happy to see the electric trains because they're 'convenient and efficient'. 

Jack, who works as a security guard and uses trams and trains daily, said: "I'm happy with electric trains, they're convenient and efficient, and, in terms of commuting from place to place they're quite quick and easily accessible. 

"The impact of environmentally friendly electric trains is clean and in terms of the comfort and efficiency it's something customers can enjoy."

And a third user, Ben, 24, a councillor from Darlaston, uses trains four times a week from Walsall to Northampton for work, he also travels a lot for a masters degree he studying alongside work. 

He said: "It's going to be really good, I like the idea of there being more leg room and more space and seats making it more comfortable for people like myself. 

"And the use of electric trains is going to have such a good impact on the environment, which is something we really need to focus on."

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, said: “It’s great to see the new trains in operation through Walsall. Accessible, convenient and attractive public transport is key in making sure local people can travel to and from the borough and it’s great to see this investment into improving our infrastructure.” 

Max Taylor, Commercial Director of West Midlands Railway, said: “We are delighted even more customers at Walsall are now enjoying the benefit of travelling on our newest trains, which offer increased capacity and modern features like power points and smart air conditioning.

“With six trains departing the station every hour and more than a million passenger journeys made to and from Walsall every year, we are proud that these new trains are playing their part in helping to grow the economy of the borough by enhancing leisure and business travel.”