The Severn Valley Railway has revealed its full timetable for 2024.
As of Tuesday, March 26, the railway will introduce more steam and diesel-hauled services with the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), which is recently back in action following repairs.
The DMU facilitates mid-morning first departures from Bridgnorth, which was missed in the 2023 season.
<hr>
Read more: Raglan Street car hits nurse but she keeps broken wing mirror
<hr>
The railway will operate three timetables, named A, B, and C, with the aim of accommodating fluctuating passenger numbers throughout the season.
For instance, the C timetable, designed for peak Saturdays, will feature three steam and one diesel-hauled service.
Reflecting on the previous years' challenges, the railway's head of operations, Steve Wainwright said: "Last year was all about survival.
"We were faced with huge uncertainty over passenger numbers as well as spiralling costs, and we had to be extremely cautious with our timetables."
However, Mr Wainwright shared a positive outlook for the coming year, commenting: "As we approach our main running season in 2024, we can be a little more optimistic.
"Our expert timetabling team has taken all the factors into account, including the need to provide a great visitor experience, to keep costs under control, to fully man our trains, stations and signal boxes from our pool of volunteer staff, and to make best use of our small resident operational steam fleet."
Visitor experience manager, Lewis Maddox, said: "We're delighted with what the timetabling team has devised.
"Their plans allow for an innovative timetable, within a realistic budget, which can be comfortably managed within the constraints of our fleet and pool of staff.
"Plus, we’ve built in the capacity to earn extra revenue from charter trains.
He added: "It’s going to allow for a fantastic day out for passengers, with plenty of choice of services, and on many days the chance to travel behind or encounter three different types of traction.
"And that’s what a day at the SVR is all about – travelling back to the golden age of heritage rail and making unforgettable memories.”
For more information on timetables and days out, visit svr.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here