A major boost for public transport is being lined up for people living in Walsall and parts of Staffordshire.
Plans now being discussed could see millions of pounds pumped into improvements for the rail line between Walsall and Stafford – with better stations and faster, more frequent trains Bloxwich and towns in Cannock Chase District].
Transport bosses hope their ideas could persuade many more people to travel by train, which would in turn reduce traffic congestion and mean less damage to the environment. They are now seeking support by contacting interest groups for their views.
West Midlands transport body Centro-PTA, plus Walsall, Staffordshire and Cannock Chase councils have begun to draw up plans and look at ways of raising the funding for the improvements. They are working with the track owner Network Rail and train operator Central Trains to come up with a range of proposals for the under-performing rail line.
“Rather than individual station improvements, we are looking at the concept of a Rail Showcase scheme where partners work together on a range of developments to improve travel choices right along the route,” explains Centro-PTA chairman Cllr Gary Clarke.
“The journey into Birmingham or Walsall could eventually be cut by as much as an hour a day when your compare the enhanced train service to travelling by road, while the improved accessibility of towns in this part of Staffordshire will also help support regeneration and boost the local economy,” he claims.
The Cannock Line provides an important link between the West Midlands conurbation and Staffordshire. It was re-opened in the late 1980s when the services and stations were provided on an ‘experimental’ basis. That meant platforms were only built with temporary materials and modernisation or upgrading of the facilities is now overdue.
Project partners are now looking to provide new and extended platforms, ticket offices at the busiest stations, safety improvements throughout and passenger information displays at Bloxwich, Bloxwich North, Landywood, Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley Town stations.
Other improvements on the table include laying new rails to improve the speed and comfort of journeys, while new signalling could double the number of trains per hour. The higher frequency and potential for longer trains would lead to a massive increase in passenger capacity.
“We are keen to hear people’s views and the level of support will help build our case for Government funding,” comments Cllr Clarke. “At the moment we are contacting stakeholder groups and existing users of the Cannock Line. Once we get to the next stage of identifying funding there will be a more extensive public consultation exercise, including potential new passengers, later in the year.”
