Two brand-new West Midlands Railway stations welcome first passengers

Two brand new railway stations in the Black Country opened their doors to customers for the first time today (Thursday 19 March).

Willenhall and Darlaston railway stations are now open to the public, bringing rail connectivity to local communities for the first time in more than 60 years.

The two stations will be operated by West Midlands Railway (WMR) and connect passengers to the Shrewsbury Line which runs between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury via Tame Bridge Parkway and Wolverhampton. The line is served by WMR’s newest diesel fleet, the Class 196s, which first entered service in 2022.

The two stations feature sheltered platforms, accessible lifts, ticket machines, and secure cycle racks. Darlaston Station includes a car park with 300 spaces for park and ride commuters, while Willenhall includes an additional 33 parking spaces.

The opening follows a £185m construction programme led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to build five new stations in the West Midlands, including Willenhall and Darlaston as well as three stations on the new Camp Hill Line in South Birmingham which are due to open next month.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for WMR, said: “We are delighted to officially open these two brand-new stations for passengers in Willenhall and Darlaston, unlocking faster and greener travel options for local residents.

"These stations will make a huge difference to thousands of passengers in the Black Country, bringing direct transport links to major hubs in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Telford and Shrewsbury. From today, we are excited to welcome new passengers on board the service for the first time and we look forward to seeing even more customers on board in the coming months.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “The reopening of Willenhall and Darlaston stations is a huge moment for communities that have been cut off from the rail network for six decades. I promised to restore these vital links, and today, we’ve delivered.

“These stations will bridge the gap to new jobs and leisure, revitalising our high streets and driving local growth. We’re already working behind the scenes to expand the timetable and create even more opportunities for everyone in the area.”

Denise Wetton, Network Rail Central route director, said: “We are delighted to have supported with the return of these stations to the rail network, which marks an important moment for our local communities. The railway has a unique role in connecting communities to places and opportunities, supports regeneration, and drives economic growth.

“Delivered in partnership, this is another important step as part of a wider programme of transformative projects that are improving the railway across the West Midlands, creating a network that better supports passengers now and into the future.”

The first train to call at the new stations was the 0626 westbound departure from Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury.

The construction project was delivered by Kier and led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the West Midlands Rail Executive, in partnership with WMR, Network Rail, Birmingham City Council, Walsall Council, and the Department for Transport.

To find out more about the new stations, visit the WMR website.