West Midlands Railway managing director to step down this year

Jan Chaudhry Van Der Velde, managing director of the company, is standing down after 17 years in the role this Easter.

He will be succeeded by Julian Edwards, who will be working alongside him until he leaves to ensure a smooth transition.

Mr Edwards said: “The last six months has been very difficult for West Midlands Trains. I would like to thank Jan for addressing many of the issues, including settling the dispute with the RMT, delivering a three per cent discount for season ticket holders, introducing more rolling stock in December and the recent timetable changes that are already making a positive impact on train performance.

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“There is still much to do. Work is well advanced on further performance improvements, the May 2020 timetable, additional compensation for non-season ticket holders and the roll out of two brand new train fleets starting in the second half of this year.

“The introduction of our new trains combined with the investment programme in stations and customer services and the much needed changes to timetables in 2020 gives us the opportunity, to have a railway the people of West Midlands Trains and our customers can be proud of.”

Mr Edwards has 20 years experience working with WMT’s predecessors Central Trains and London Midland.

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Jo Martyr, who regularly commutes through Worcester, said: “To mend relations with employees and staff Abellio (the owners of WMT) need to offer genuine proof that they ARE recruiting and route-training sufficiently.

"They need to stop being reliant on an aggressive management style which compels their crews to work excessive overtime.

“If Julian Edwards can steer improvements in these areas then rail users might start to see improvements, if not then his engagement will make no difference what so ever.”