Tyseley based steam train company Vintage Trains have halted operations for the last two weeks after concerns from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) about Health and Safety. Interestingly, the issues are with West Coast Railways – not Vintage Trains – who operate the trains. The ORR have confirmed that Vintage Trains are still allowed to run their trains, but have voluntarily ended operations until the matter is resolved.
Sadly, the first cancellation came on February 13th, just before Valentine’s Day with many loved up couples not being able to take the journey. Now the popular Shakespeare Express – which runs from Birmingham to Stratford-Upon-Avon – could be in trouble as well.
Vintage Trains have confirmed that they’re in talks with other operators and that it looks encouraging. However, while they are still taking bookings for the Shakespeare Express, the Red Dragon to Cardiff on March 12, the Cumbrian Explorer on March 19 and the Moonraker on April 9 aren’t looking as though they’ll go ahead at this time.
One detail needs correcting- ORR is the Office of Rail Regulators.
Thanks for that. Interesting that searching both brings up the same links. It would seem that they’re known by both names. 🙂