AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled for a 30-year rail revolution across the West Midlands, following the Covid pandemic.
The long-term ‘Rail Investment Strategy’ includes delivering the Midlands Rail Hub and proposals for new railway stations.
The strategy, initially published in 2018, sets out how to maximise the benefits of HS2, support the region’s net-zero carbon ambitions, a proposed a co-ordinated plan for the enhancement of existing services and the development of new rail infrastructure, including new stations and new rail lines.
Several projects are already being delivered including five new stations – three on the Camp Hill Line in Birmingham and the redevelopment of Coventry, Wolverhampton, University and Perry Barr Stations.
The West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) has, following extensive consultation, revised the strategy to take account of the considerable work already undertaken over the last five years and the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, including changes in travel patterns.
The revised Rail Investment Strategy puts forward a coherent vision for improvement and development of the region’s rail network over the medium to long-term.
Plans include removing diesel trains from the network and supporting further line electrification and the development of the Midlands Rail Hub to create additional capacity for more services across the region.
They also address how, as London to Birmingham passengers move to HS2, spare line capacity can be used on the West Coast Mainline to improve local and regional services between Birmingham and Rugby.
There were more than 330 responses to the consultation and feedback included a series of key areas, such as better integration with other transportation modes, improved rail network accessibility, more efficient ticketing systems and a focus on electrifying all lines.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMRE Chair, said: “Rail has an absolutely central role to play in our region’s success.
“New rail links and stations generate jobs for local people and prosperity for local communities.
“At the same time – by providing a sustainable car alternative – rail helps us to tackle the climate emergency and meet our #WM2041 net zero commitment.
“Since the first strategy was published five years ago, we’ve made tangible progress – drawing in more than £200million in funding for new and redeveloped stations.
“Alongside our own substantial programme of investment, it’s vital for the West Midlands that both HS2 and the Midlands Rail Hub are completed – providing the much needed extra capacity required to improve services for residents right across our region and give them a rail network that is truly fit for the future.”
Coun Peter Butlin, WMRE’s accountable director for rail infrastructure investment, said: “An enhanced, fit-for-purpose rail network doesn’t just benefit the major cities, it helps spread investment and improve the quality of life across the entire wider region from Shropshire and Staffordshire to West Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.
“Our regional rail network must have the future capacity and capability required to meet future demand for travel and provide access to employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities for all of our citizens.”
Eight objectives
The strategy has eight main objectives – to support recovery from Covid-19, to contribute to net-zero, to deliver the Midlands Rail Hub, to maximise the benefits of HS2 to the West Midlands and to develop ‘high growth corridors’ to reduce social deprivation and levelling-up.
The strategy will also maximise access to the rail network, support the movement of goods by rail and to consider radical change in the long-term.
Visit wmre.org.uk/our-strategies/west-midlands-rail-investment-strategy/ for more.
