Another first for Stourbridge

Press Release : 1 August 2007

In 1829 Foster, Rastrick & Co of Stourbridge built the first steam locomotive ever to run on a commercial line in the United States. I visited Parry People Movers of Cradley Heath to check out the first lightweight railcar type to be specified within a UK national rail franchise. I was given a demonstration by Technical Services Director, Caspar Lucas.

The Parry People Mover (PPM) will run a full seven day service from Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town from December 2008. I hope this will be the catalyst for expanding the rail system with new and re-opened smaller lines feeding popular routes, in and out of towns, that are currently only accessible via road.

The PPM technology achieves an 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel trains together with a considerable reduction in operating costs and noise. It achieves these dramatic improvements via:

• a hybrid power supply
• lightweight construction
• a very small 2L engine
• a regenerative braking system

The patented energy storage system enables the train to recover kinetic energy when it brakes which is then re-used to accelerate away from stops.

Parry People Movers are what we need to reduce congestion and emissions on our roads, not yet more taxes on drivers who are mostly trapped in their cars for want of alternatives. As well as expanding the rail network PPM also offers an exciting Tram like alternative to cars in town centres...

Margot James visits Parry People Movers of Cradley Heath.