Rail passengers at two local stations will have more services to more places from the end of the year, according to a new timetable seen by West Midlands councillors.

Members of the watchdog Passenger Transport Authority are set to endorse the proposals by Network Rail which will take effect in December.

“People in the Black Country will have more journey opportunities as a result of the new timetable.  This is a good example of how we can influence the industry to deliver improvements for passengers,” says Cllr Keith Chambers, PTA lead member for rail services.

On Mondays to Saturdays, Coseley will have its service improved to three trains per hour, including two per hour non-stop to Birmingham New Street, and through links to Shrewsbury and Liverpool.

On Mondays to Fridays, Sandwell and Dudley will have new direct services to Crewe and Liverpool.

Officers from public transport promoter Centro have worked with Network Rail and operating company Central Trains to draw up the new timetable and will report details of the changes to a PTA meeting on Monday 5 September.  Councillors on the Transport Strategy Committee are being recommended to endorse the proposals.