Transport bosses unveil rail revolution plan for Midlands and Welsh border

The Midlands Connect Group has detailed how the plan, largely centered on Birmingham New Street, could benefit commuters across the regions - and asked the government money to grow proposals

Midlands Connect today publishes its service revitalization plan (

Image: Getty Images

Transport chiefs are today outlining plans for a £1.5billion rail revolution that could cut journey times, boost services and provide millions more seats.

Regional leaders believe their government-handed scheme could 'boost the economy' by transforming rail travel in the East and West Midlands and Welsh Marches by the end of the decade .

They also claimed it would allow an additional 1.6 million passengers to use the HS2 high-speed lines to London and Manchester.

Welcoming a "truly momentous occasion", Midlands Connect Chairman Sir John Peace said: "We are proud to unveil this detailed plan of infrastructure changes that will transform our region.

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"We know the project has the backing of business, community and political leaders across the Midlands, and we are ready to kick off its delivery and put the shovel in the ground.

The travel overhaul would center on services to and from Birmingham New Street station (

Picture:

Paul Cockerton/Daily Mirror)

"The Midlands Rail Hub will have a significant impact on the future of travel for generations to come."

The proposed improvements include over 100 additional trains serving 43 communities daily in cities including Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Nuneaton, Worcester, Hereford, Great Malvern, Bristol, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Leicester and Cardiff.

Proponents say the redesign would cut travel times for thousands of commuters.

Thirteen minutes could be saved on journeys between Birmingham and Hereford, which currently take around 86 minutes.

Midlands Connect said at least 14.6 million additional seats would be available on the railway each year.

Other potential upgrades include an additional train per hour...