SVR General Discussion

I see there is a vintage trains operated move coming into the SVR next Monday. Could anyone advise what it is? TIA

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U03058/2026-09-14/detailed

 

Collecting 2 carriages for a filming job.

 

Cool. Thank you for the swift response

 

That was my first reaction, and I suspect what the results will show. But if I lived in the catchment area, I'd have two major factors affecting my willingness to use this experiment. First is practicality if I don't live within walking distance. The second is changing my travel pattern for a short period and then having to revert.

 

Same feeling here too. Plus, (i) only having access to the service three days a week, (ii) being unable to adjust me season ticket for just three days, (iii) the inflexibility of no off-peak day time services, and (iv) the lack of assurance for a connection on my return journey in the case of a missed connection.

 

Practicality does rule the daily lives of most people. ("It's the economy, stupid!") So I'd expect price to be a huge factor, too.

Noel

 

I'm sure it is, but I've no comparison point for this train as against existing arrangements. I fully agree with what @Dead Sheep writes; my comment is solely on how representative the results of this trial can be for any decision about whether to extend services

 

Hopefully, the partnership supporting this experiment will factor in these mitigating circumstances when assessing its future. That said, if the decision rests on current passenger numbers and commensurate fare income alone, I find it difficult to see how the service could be judged viable.

 

I remain to be convinced of viability, no matter what. Most particularly, I remain concerned about how the very different natures of SVR and national network can be blended

 

Well, this commercial experiment will provide a lot of useful data on that, as well as on other points. Look at the bright side: I expect the SVR is undertaking this just as an experiment; not nailing the whole future of the line, as an organization, to its success (unlike a certain other line we can all name, but will refrain from so doing).

Noel

 

As I said above, but seem to need to repeat….

It is funded through the WMRE. It’s a really joined up, collaborative scheme which is designed to test the water. There’s no loser in it at all. SVR get paid to run it as a contract job, so can’t lose. WMRE fund it, and get the data needed to prove the concept or prove it doesn’t work. WMR complete a commitment of their franchise. So everyone ticks good boxes.

 

Short term, I absolutely agree - my observations were all about how a trial might morph into a firm commitment, and what that may mean.

 

Well that is obviously going to be considered post trial. I don’t think there’s a way to do it other than it’s current form tbh

 

What about WMR running a 172 through from Birmingham to Bewdley? Would that work? There seem to be plenty of WMR employees that volunteer on SVR, so route knowledge shouldn't be too much of an issue.

 

The WMR Kidderminster terminators seem to sit in the siding at Kidderminster for approx 30 mins. Is that enough time to get to Bewdley and back?

 

As I will be arriving at Kidderminster by train on Wednesday 16th can I use my "Priv" ticket for a single to Bewdley.