West Midlands Restores Rail After 61 Years
Willenhall and Darlaston stations reopen after 61 years with hourly service to Birmingham
Willenhall, Darlaston Stations Open After 61 Years
Two Black Country towns regained rail service Thursday after a 61-year gap. Willenhall and Darlaston stations opened March 19 on the Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street line, restoring connections lost in 1965's Beeching cuts. The £185 million project brings hourly weekday and Saturday service to communities that haven't had passenger trains since the cuts closed more than 2,000 stations across Britain.
Historic Rail Links Restored to Industrial Heartland
The stations were central to the Black Country's industrial growth during the 19th and early 20th centuries before closing as part of the Beeching cuts, which eliminated 5,000 miles of track nationwide. The reopening is expected to boost local economies, improve access to employment and education, reduce road congestion, and enhance tourism opportunities across the region. Both stations feature modern, accessible design with step-free access via lifts, sheltered platforms, ticket machines, cycle racks, and CCTV security.
Service Details and Journey Times
The stations have been added to the hourly Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street service via Wolverhampton, with services running roughly hourly on weekdays and Saturdays. No Sunday services are currently scheduled. Journey times from Darlaston to Birmingham New Street take approximately 22 minutes, while trips from Willenhall take around 20-25 minutes. Return tickets from Willenhall cost £8.90 at peak times and £6.40 off-peak, while Darlaston peak returns cost £8 and off-peak £5.90. Darlaston station includes 300 parking spaces while Willenhall has 33 spaces.
Funding and Future Expansion
The project received £126 million in government funding, with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker committing an additional £30 million to complete the £185 million investment. The Office of Rail and Road officially authorized the stations after confirming they meet essential standards for health and safety, accessibility, and environmental protection. Three more stations on the Camp Hill Line in south Birmingham are scheduled to open Tuesday, April 7, providing the first neighborhood rail services there since World War Two.
What Riders Need to Know
Riders can now access Birmingham New Street in under 25 minutes from both stations, with connections to the wider West Midlands rail network via Wolverhampton. Services operate roughly hourly on weekdays and Saturdays, though travelers should note the absence of Sunday service. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for the Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street line, helping riders navigate schedules and connections across the restored Black Country rail network.
