Plans for the Midlands Rail Hub could bring 140 extra trains weekly, boosting Worcestershire transport and creating jobs.
The plan adds two trains per hour, each way: one from Worcester to Birmingham, and another from Worcestershire Parkway to that city. Those routes will gain nearly 140 weekly trains. Residents, businesses, and commuters benefit, as four million extra seats will exist yearly.
Network Rail and West Midlands Rail Executive joined the meeting. A Chamber of Commerce VP and university head also took part. Worcestershire Parkway services will also get better, as the Midlands Rail Hub aims to improve them.
Over 12,750 jobs should come from the project, with construction planned from 2025 to 2033. The prior government backed the rail hub fully, allocating £123m more for detailed designs.
The MP wants better transport for Worcester, seeing rail as key. He wants better city links to Oxford and London. An executive from the Chamber of Commerce sees opportunities for area businesses, mentioning attracting and retaining talent, as over 10,000 students travel there weekly.
Midlands Connect says it could boost the transport for Worcester. They want to deliver faster, more frequent trains. A councilor supports better rail service and better links from Worcester to Birmingham. He thinks 140 extra trains benefit everyone, helping residents and local businesses. It will create jobs and new sustainable options, as they want the project’s benefits for the city, and are also working to ensure Hereford’s trains get signaling improvements to achieve these benefits.