West Midlands Restores Rail Access to Five Communities

Five new West Midlands railway stations to open in March and April after £185M investment

West Midlands Adds Five Stations in £185M Project

Five new railway stations will open across the West Midlands this spring, reconnecting communities to rail service for the first time in decades. Willenhall and Darlaston stations on the Black Country line open March 19, while Kings Heath, Moseley, and Pineapple Road stations on the Camp Hill Line open April 7, transit officials confirmed. The £185 million project restores passenger rail access to areas that haven't had train service since 1965 or earlier.

Decades Without Rail Service End

The Black Country stations will restore passenger services last available in 1965, while the three Birmingham Camp Hill Line stations will provide rail access for the first time since World War Two. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker secured an additional £30 million in 2024 to ensure completion of the Camp Hill stations after budget pressures caused delays. The project received £126 million in government funding. All five stations have been built to modern standards with sheltered platforms, accessible lifts, ticket machines, and secure cycle racks.

Stations Feature Modern Amenities

Darlaston Station includes a 300-space car park for park and ride commuters, while Willenhall offers 33 additional parking spaces. The Camp Hill stations will receive a half-hourly service between Birmingham city centre and Kings Norton, officials said. Willenhall and Darlaston will be added to the hourly Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street service via Wolverhampton. Final authorisation from the Office of Rail and Road is expected imminently to confirm these opening dates.

March and April Opening Dates Set

Willenhall and Darlaston stations in the Black Country will open Thursday, March 19, 2026, transit officials announced. Three stations on Birmingham's Camp Hill Line—Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road—will open Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The staggered opening schedule allows the transit agency to ensure each station is fully operational before launching service at the next location.

Riders Gain New Transit Options

The new stations will provide thousands of residents with direct rail access to Birmingham city centre and regional destinations. Commuters in areas without rail service for decades will gain alternatives to car travel and bus routes. Riders can check Moovit for real-time service updates and trip planning as the new stations begin operations this spring.