Ministers have backed a plan to increase space for passengers on the region's overcrowded rail network primarily by running longer trains.
The plan put forward by rail industry partners supported by Centro-PTA has been endorsed by the West Midlands Rail Capacity Study. The study's findings were published last night by the Department of Transport. They said parts of the regional network have experienced a 50% increase in passenger numbers since 2001, with a further 50% growth forecast by 2026. Against this background, the study examined the ability of the railway to accommodate even higher levels of growth as part of a longer-term review of rail capacity.
Releasing the study on the last day before the Summer recess, the Government has removed doubt that the proposed redevelopment of New Street Station will be unable to cope with such growth in demand. A plan submitted by regional bodies and Network Rail provides for a significant increase in the station's passenger handling areas, but no real changes to track infrastructure.
"With one in five people arriving at peak times in Birmingham by train, redeveloping New Street station is a top priority," says Cllr Gary Clarke, chairman of regional transport body Centro-PTA. "We are fully backing these plans to give the city and region the gateway station it needs and deserves."
This latest study confirms that the regional network is so congested it would be difficult to meet the growth in demand by increasing train frequency, but it concludes that providing longer trains will be able to provide for expected growth at least until 2040.
According to the study, the results of recent passenger counts have been assessed at peak periods, and a notional timetable developed to show it is possible to operate all services with longer trains, including at Birmingham New Street. "Typically, three-car units would be lengthened to six-car, and ultimately to nine-car units. This would provide capacity for 120% growth at existing performance levels and is forecast to last until around 2040, depending on the rate of growth experienced," it says.
Link: Birmingham and West Midlands Rail Capacity Review (DfT)
