Rail user Jo Aldred reached a milestone in town transport history by becoming passenger number five million on the Stourbridge Shuttle.

The 80-year-old uses the light rail link from the mainline railway station at Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town every day.

She was presented with gift vouchers, a certificate and flowers to mark becoming the five-millionth passenger on the service, which began in 2009, by Pre Metro’s chairman, Geoff Lusher.

Speaking afterwards, Jo Aldred spoke highly of the service, stating that:

“It’s a wonderful service, I can’t walk that far and I like to go into town to meet people. I was very surprised to be told I was the five-millionth passenger but I must have made many of those journeys myself over the years.”

“The service is fantastic; the drivers are always very friendly.”

The Shuttle operates every day and makes the three-minute journey more than 1,300 times each week.

It carries an average of 10,500 passengers each week and the single-carriage shuttle is powered by LPG, which makes it environmentally friendly when compared to traditional heavy rail options.

Pre Metro’s Operations Director, Steve Jasper, also added:

“It’s another milestone for us and one we are particularly happy to celebrate.” 

“Our passenger numbers continue to rise and our passengers tell us that they appreciate the high frequency, reliable service which we provide.”