Communities invited to celebrate their new railway stations as passenger numbers revealed

More than 130,000 passengers have already used the new stations on the Camp Hill line since opening their doors to the public in April new figures have revealed.

And almost 42,000 trips have been taken through Willenhall and Darlaston Stations in the three months since opening.

For the first time in decades residents and businesses around the five stations have easy access to the rail network with thousands taking advantage of the new opportunities they offer.

To celebrate the restoration of train services two free community events are being held – the first is at Willenhall station this Saturday (27^th June), from 11am to 3pm. Followed by an event at Moseley Village on Saturday 18^th July, also from 11am to 3pm.

Willenhall Railway Station

These events offer a chance for people to have some fun while exploring the brand-new stations and find out about rail services on offer:

• The Willenhall Station celebration is in collaboration with Willenhall Lock Stock and includes live music, a DJ, prizes, children’s entertainment and an opportunity to meet local artists

• In Moseley, the festivities will be spread across two sites – the new station forecourt and St Mary’s Church next door. The event includes live music, a mosaic workshop, family fun and games, and a children’s train themed activity. Further activities are being hosted by the Moseley Community Development Trust simultaneously.

All activities are free of charge, open to all ages and no booking is required—simply turn up and enjoy the celebration.    

Mayor Richard Parker said: “These new passenger figures show that if you provide high-quality, reliable public transport, people will use it. These new stations have given local people and businesses a huge lift and generated real excitement.

 “Now we have a chance for these local communities to join us in celebrating their new stations, have a fun time, and find out more about the opportunities for travel on their doorsteps.” 

New figures show that 131,866 passengers on the Camp Hill line since 7^th April and 41,895 journeys for Willenhall and Darlaston since 19^th March.

The numbers using individual stations are:

• Kings Heath: 57,376
• Moseley Village: 45,613
• Pineapple Road: 28,877
• Darlaston: 17,379
• Willenhall: 24,516

The development of the five stations was led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), in partnership with Network Rail, West Midlands Railway, Birmingham City Council, Walsall Council, and the Department for Transport.

Check the TfWM website for the latest travel advice to help plan your journey.