Before the pandemic four trains an hour ran through Lichfield to Birmingham on the Cross City Line; however that has been cut to currently just two. In November MP Dave Robertson met with representatives from Midland Connect to discuss the benefits for Lichfield.
As a part of the upgrade the scheme will deliver a six trains per hour service through the Cross City Line, with four trains per hour starting at Lichfield Trent Valley and two trains per hour starting at Four Oaks. Analysis from Midlands Connect also highlights that an upgraded Cross City Line will deliver five million extra seats every year.
Confirming news today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves during the Spending Review, which sets out how public money will be spent over the next three to four years.
Ms Reeves said: “On a matter I know is of great importance to my honourable friends, the members for Lichfield, Birmingham Northfield, and Birmingham Erdington, I can announce today that I’m providing funding for the Midlands Rail Hub.
Dave Robertson Mp Midlands Rail Hub. Credit: Dave Robertson MP. With permission for all LDRS partners
“[This is] the region’s biggest and most ambitious rail improvement scheme for generations, strengthening connections from Birmingham across the West Midlands, and into Wales too.”
Commenting on the news Dave said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Chancellor is funding Midlands Rail Hub. This is a massive upgrade that is going to mean more trains and better rail connections across the Midlands and beyond.
“This is great news for people in Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages. The Cross City Line, which links Lichfield to Birmingham, is the busiest commuter line outside of London. But since the pandemic, we’ve had just two trains an hour, down from four.
Midlands Rail Hub will boost growth across the region by connecting businesses, increasing capacity for rail freight and providing employment opportunities. The scheme will create 13,000 high-quality jobs in construction, project management and engineering – including hundreds of apprenticeships.
“Midlands Rail Hub is going to free up capacity and help us get more trains back on that line – commuters in my constituency know they’re sorely needed. Midlands Rail Hub will secure more jobs and opportunities – in construction, engineering and more – for people across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages.”