New 196 DMUs enter service at Worcester.
Posted: 11:06 Wednesday 19th April 2023
Yesterday, Tuesday 18 April 2023, was the first day that Class 196 DMU units commenced working between Hereford, Great Malvern and Worcester to and from Birmingham New Street. The attached photographs show units 196005 and 196006 arriving in Worcester Shrub Hill at 08-07 from New Street this morning, then working out as the 08-08 to Great Malvern. From there it should work to New Street at 08-36, and return from New Street to Hereford if it remains on that running schedule all day.
This picture shows 170501 and 170506 departing from Shrub Hill for New Street. Sadly these very comfortable and reliable units are being replaced by the new 196s which already have a poor reputation for reliability. I haven't sampled a ride on a 196 yet but early reports indicate that the seats are marginally more comfortable than Class 172/0 but the ride quality is jittery in common with much modern stock.
Lastly a quick shot to show the 09-00 Great Malvern to Westbury 166 unit loading a good number of passengers - presumably patronage increased by the line closure between Oxford and Didcot and those wishing to go to Paddington by changing at Gloucester (for Kemble line) or Bristol Parkway for trains from Cardiff to the capital.