WORCESTER could be in line for an addtional train service to Birmingham as part of a £2billion package of improvements to transform east-west connections on the Midlands’ rail network.
The plans have been submitted to the government by transport chiefs at Midlands Connect.
The Midlands Rail Hub outlines plans to build 15 pieces of new and improved infrastructure to create space for 24 extra passenger trains every hour on the regional network, reducing journey times, increasing rail journeys and supercharging the economy by bringing the East and West Midlands closer together.
The plans, which can be completed in phases between 2024 and 2033, have been submitted to the government by Midlands Connect, in partnership with Network Rail and with the backing of 47 partner organisations including West Midlands Combined Authority, local authorities, LEPs, chambers of commerce, HS2 and East Midlands Airport.
Many services between major towns and cities in the Midlands remain slow and infrequent, including an average of 85 minutes between Hereford and Birmingham. Building additional capacity into the network will future-proof the regional network for the next generation, with significant benefits for Herefordshire and Worcestershire including:
– Space for 24 extra passenger trains an hour, with an estimated six million more journeys per year and an estimated economic benefit of £649m a year by 2037, one extra train an hour in each direction between Hereford-Birmingham and Worcester-Birmingham and a reduction in journey times are all on the timetable.
– Improvements to the Worcester line will be possible thanks to the proposed introduction of another railway line west of Ledbury and additional signals to allow more trains to run throughout the day.
Transport chiefs have acted after figures revealed just 20 per cent of city residents let the train take the strain when heading into Birmingham. In comparison, commuters travelling into Sheffield from Manchester use the train 50 per cent of the time.
Coun Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcestershire County Council, is among the council chiefs backing the proposals.
“Being well connected can help Worcestershire residents to access good jobs, education and leisure opportunities and support local businesses to continue to grow our economy.
“The Midlands Rail Hub will help achieve this through faster, more frequent links between Worcestershire and the rest of the Midlands, South West and Wales. This will be further supported with the opening of Worcestershire Parkway station later this year
“Worcestershire is a fast growing county and we are creating 25,000 new jobs by 2025. The Midlands Rail Hub will support our ambitious growth aspirations and investment in it is critical to bring all corners of the region closer together.”
Midlands Connect has requested an additional £25m in funding to develop a business case for the improvements.
