Today (Monday 28 July 2025) the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that West Midlands Trains – operator of services under the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands - is set to transfer to public ownership on 1 February 2026. This announcement is part of the DfT’s ongoing Public Ownership Programme.
We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public owner
Today (Monday 28 July 2025) the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that West Midlands Trains – operator of services under the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands - is set to transfer to public ownership on 1 February 2026. This announcement is part of the DfT’s ongoing Public Ownership Programme.
We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public owner
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has today (18 July) hosted the UK’s first chess tournament on board a moving train ahead of International Chess Day, which takes place this weekend.
Passengers boarding the 10:36 service from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley were greeted by the contest held on one of WMR’s Class 730 electric trains.
Eight chess players went head-to-head in three ro
Passengers using the northern section of the Cross City Line between Birmingham and Lichfield are being reminded no trains will run for seven days later this month.
There will be no services between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley from Monday 28 July until Sunday 3 August inclusive, with the line reopening as normal on Monday 4 August.
To help keep passengers moving during t
Network Rail will begin a major £1.4 million upgrade of the footbridge at Longport station this summer to improve safety for passengers and pedestrians and enhance the long-term resilience of the structure for years to come.
From 26 July to 14 September, engineers will carry out essential repairs to the bridge, which crosses two electrified tracks at Station Street, Stoke-on-Trent.
While thi
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has teamed up with Northamptonshire’s railway operators to help staff spot the signs of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Partners, including London Northwestern Railway and East Midlands Railway who operate the two train lines in Northamptonshire, have helped to create a specialist training package.
It includes a four-minute educational video,
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has today (Tue 1 Jul) named one of its newest trains in honour of England footballer Jess Carter as the Lionesses prepare to defend their Euros title.
Experienced defender Jess, age 27, grew up in Warwickshire and pupils from her former secondary school were among the guests at a special ceremony in her honour at Leamington Spa railway station this morning.
Jess h
London Northwestern Railway launched its summer sale today (Tuesday 24 June), offering off-peak day return tickets to London and Liverpool from as little as £15.
From now until Sunday 6 July, passengers can secure reduced rates on journeys between Monday 30 June and Thursday 31 August. For the offer to be valid, tickets must be booked at least seven days before departure.
Whether it’s a fami
London Northwestern Railway (LNR) has raised awareness of how to stay safe on the railway among thousands of passengers this Rail Safety Week (16 – 22 June).
The rail operator hosted pop-up sessions at Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction railway stations, where experts spoke about safeguarding, mental health and how to prevent accidents on the railway.
Throughout the week, LNR tal
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has raised awareness of how to stay safe on the railway among thousands of passengers this Rail Safety Week (16 – 22 June).
The rail operator hosted pop-up sessions at Birmingham Snow Hill and Wolverhampton station this week, where experts spoke about safeguarding, mental health and how to prevent accidents on the railway. British Transport Police (BTP) appeared alon
Dozens of vulnerable people have accessed mental health support from a new facility at Wolverhampton Station in its first month of opening, West Midlands Railway has confirmed today (17 June).
Offering one-to-one support, information and signposting to anyone who needs it, ‘The Hub’ is run by WMR in partnership with local charities and organisations including Rethink Mental
A new partnership between London Northwestern Railway (LNR) and learning disability charity Mencap will boost the community feel of a busy East Midlands train station.
Northampton station has been adopted by the charity through its ‘training academy’ programme, which delivers supported internships to people aged 16-24 with learning disabilities or autism.
Mencap –
