Alstom, mainly known in the UK for its train manufacturing business, has plans to run an open access train operation providing a service from Wrexham to London Euston.

Working with SLC Rail, the new operator will be known as Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway.

The new operator will offer a link to London for passengers in Wrexham, Gobowen, Walsall and Coleshill, along with Darlaston when the new station opens.

It is anticipated that the new service could commence as early as 2025, with 50 new jobs created, mostly in North Wales and the Midlands.

Up to five trains a day

The proposals see a service of five trains a day in each direction on Monday – Saturday, with four trains a day on a Sunday.

Trains will call at Wrexham General, Gobowen, Shrewsbury, Telford Central, Wolverhampton, Darlaston (once opened), Walsall, Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes Central on their way to London Euston.

In the West Midlands, the operator plans to avoid Birmingham by using the Sutton Park Line, which is only currently used for freight services, and would allow Wolverhampton and Walsall to serve Nuneaton for the first time.

Details regarding branding and the fleet of trains they plan to use will be announced at a later date.

“These exciting proposals could see better connections for communities across North Wales and the Midlands, including direct services to London from Shrewsbury, Telford and Wrexham,”

“Competition delivers choice for passengers and drives up standards, which is why we continue to work with industry to help make the most of open access rail.”

Huw Merriman, Rail Minister

“As the country’s leading supplier of rolling stock and train services, it makes perfect sense that we now move into operating our own fleet to serve passengers directly. Having been part of the fabric of UK rail for two centuries, we’re excited to enter this new era as an open access operator,”

“Alstom is also committed to embedding sustainability into every element of our organisation, and WSMR will help drive a modal shift from road to rail by offering a greener alternative for travellers across England and Wales.”

Nick Crossfield, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom

“From the Welsh borders to the Midlands, our routes will forge new connections, linking overlooked regions of England and Wales with direct services to and from London. Passengers will benefit from more competitive fares and new technology to simplify ticket purchasing for our new services. Delighting the customer will be at the forefront of what we do; we want WSMR passengers to experience a new excellence in customer service onboard our intercity trains,”

“Our proposal will support sustainable housing growth, nurture communities, and unite business, leisure, and commerce along the corridor. This will enhance economies and bring a positive impact to both communities and the environment – and we can’t wait to get started!”

Ian Walters, Managing Director at Midlands-based SLC Rail

‘If approved, the proposed open access operations between London, the Midlands, Shropshire, and North Wales will be good news for passengers, who will reap the benefits that healthy competition between operators brings in terms of a choice of services, innovation on fares, and improved performance.  

‘The evidence both here in Britain, on the East Coast Mainline, and across Europe shows that where more commercial freedom exists for operators, it leads to better service, cheaper fares and greater efficiencies. ‘To deliver more benefits to passengers, government should make it a priority to remove barriers to open access operations now and during the next parliament, in parallel to wider reform that harnesses private sector operators within a new public body.’

Andy Bagnall, chief executive of Rail Partners