Communities invited to celebrate new railway stations

More than 13,000 passengers have used the new stations on the Camp Hill line since it opened its doors to the public in April.

The new line was re-opened to restore local passenger rail services to parts of South Birmingham that had been without stations since 1941.

Almost 42,000 journeys have been made through Willenhall and Darlaston stations in the three months since they opened.

For the first time in decades residents and businesses around the five stations have easy access to the rail network with thousands taking advantage of the new opportunities they offer.

To celebrate the restoration of train services two free community events are being held – the first one at Willenhall station (27 June), from 11am to 3pm, followed by an event at Moseley Village on Saturday 18 July, from 11am to 3pm.

The events offer a chance for people to have some fun while exploring the new stations and find out more about rail services on offer.

All activities are free of charge, open to all ages and no booking is required – simply turn up and enjoy the celebration.

Mayor Richard Parker said: “These new passenger figures show that if you provide high-quality, reliable public transport, people will use it. These new stations have given local people and businesses a huge lift and generated real excitement.

 “Now we have a chance for these local communities to join us in celebrating their new stations, have a fun time, and find out more about the opportunities for travel on their doorsteps.” 

New figures show that 131,866 passengers on the Camp Hill line since 7 April and 41,895 journeys for Willenhall and Darlaston since 19 March.

The development of the five stations was led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), in partnership with Network Rail, West Midlands Railway, Birmingham City Council, Walsall Council, and the Department for Transport.