Don’t miss out on your chance to leave feedback on the draft West Midlands Rail Investment Strategy as the consultation by the West Midlands Rail Executive will close on Monday the 28th of November.

The consultation will provide businesses, the rail industry, stakeholders and the general public an opportunity to provide feedback and comments on what the strategy should feature.

Responses to the consultation so far have seen subjects raised including:

• Greater integration with other modes of transport
• Creating a more accessible rail network
• More efficient ticketing and fares system
• Prioritising the electrification of all lines

The West Midlands Rail Investment Strategy has seen the draft updates and details how the region’s rail sector plans to deal with issues such as post-pandemic recovery, how it will maximise the benefits of HS2 and how it will achieve net zero carbon targets.

The first strategy was originally released in 2018 and the updated draft features many of the key elements such as continuing the development of HS2 as well as the provision of the Midlands Rail Hub.

Following the release of the first strategy, the new Worcestershire Parkway station has now opened as well as progress achieved in the building of five further new railway stations on the Camp Hill line in Birmingham and the Wolverhampton to Walsall line alongside the redevelopment of Coventry, Wolverhampton, Perry Barr and University railway stations.

The updated draft also features changes made due to the pandemic such as the fall in passenger numbers as working patterns have changed, as well as the industry establishment of Great British Railway.

Led by the West Midlands Rail Executive, the draft strategy has been developed in collaboration with rail industry partners such as Midlands Connect and the Department for Transport.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midland Rail Executive said: “There have been challenges with rail services following the pandemic, but there are exciting times and opportunities ahead for rail with the right investment in the right areas.

“Over the next few months and years, we will be powering ahead with the return of passenger stations and services to the Camp Hill and Wolverhampton to Walsall railway lines, as well as opening a new station at Aldridge.

“But this strategy looks further ahead to key developments such as the Midlands Rail Hub and growing the West Midlands rail network in a coordinated way. It will be used to press the case for more investment and ensure improvements are delivered where it is most needed. That is why it is important people have their say now to help shape the future.”

After the consultation, the final draft will be given to the West Midlands Rail Executive for approval.

With a number of key aims, the draft strategy will include support for the region’s recovery following the pandemic and commitment to both local and national net-zero carbon targets, as well as aiding the levelling up agenda and maximising HS2 benefits.

Further areas that the draft will focus on will be the encouragement of growth in rail freight and more extreme proposals in the longer term such as a tunnel under Birmingham city centre.

The plan will also reveal how passenger numbers and train frequencies are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2026 and layout plans of how the network and infrastructure will require further development in order to see growth.

To find the draft strategy, feedback survey and complete detail of the consultation, please visit: http://wmre.org.uk/consultation