Improvements for Midlands Rail Hub given green light, bringing 300 more trains

Over 50 road and rail upgrades across England have been given the green light, including some in the West Midlands.

Commuters and travellers are expected to benefit from quicker journeys and better connections thanks to the projects, which are backed by £92b from the Spending Review settlement. The government is calling it the biggest boost to England's transport infrastructure in a generation.

The project will add 300 trains a day to the region's rail network and improve services between Birmingham and more than 50 locations across the Midlands and Wales

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This is a fantastic day for our region, and I want to thank the Government for backing the Midlands Rail Hub with the investment it needs. This is the sort of national commitment that gives people confidence in our ability to create jobs, build homes and connect communities across the Midlands.

“This will transform the region, drive growth and opportunity in every community - and help us deliver better journeys for everyone. It shows what we can achieve when government, mayors, local leaders and our partners work together for the good of the Midlands.”

Five major road schemes in the North and Midlands are confirmed as funded including the M54 - M6 Link Road in Staffordshire, which will cut journey times and connect thousands to key economic hubs across the Midlands.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayers’ money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.

“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.

“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”

These new infrastructure commitments are backed by £92 billion of Government funding to invest in more projects across England, including record levels of funding for upgrading our road and rail networks, extending the £3 bus cap, providing £1 billion to enhance the local road network and create a new Structures Fund.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “These vital investments are long overdue, will transform local communities and improve living standards across the country.

"Investments like these are only possible because we took the right decisions to stabilise our public finances and changed the fiscal rules so we can invest in Britain’s renewal, grow the economy and put more money in working people's pockets."

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