West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today called for improvements to the new Midlands rail franchise to add extra capacity and more trains. The MP has written in to the Department for Transport after canvassing views of constituents as part of a review of the Midlands rail franchise. The West Midlands franchise, currently run by London Midland, will end in 2017 and local people are being asked to have their say before the formal search begins for the next rail operator. Harriett said: “I have had a good number of comments to my office after I publicised this consultation before Christmas and I am grateful to everyone who took the time to get in touch. “It is clear that the primary concern is the lack of capacity on trains into Birmingham and I hope that the new franchise holder will commit to bringing many more carriages on routes connecting Malvern and Birmingham – particularly at peak times. “I think it would also help to run more frequent trains along the line which will be more convenient for users and offer extra capacity throughout the day. “There is also a level of concern about the lack of trains coming back from Birmingham late at night and I would like to see rail users getting the chance to enjoy Birmingham nightlife and still be able to get a train home. “There is still time for people to be able to have their say so anyone who wants to feed into the consultation can fill out an online form. I hope as many rail users as possible take this opportunity to specify the requirements of the new franchise.” Local people can have their say by filling in a survey which can be found at http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/west-midlands-franchise