No need for our railway lines to have railway trains!

14 October 2024

FROM NETWORK RAIL, today:

Thank you for contacting us about the use of former railway lines and your concerns about them being used for reasons other than running trains.

We are, across the rail network, committed to running a railway which meets the needs and demands of the communities we serve. This is an approach taken with our train operating partners to provide the best service in terms of frequency, reliability and journey options.

Where lines have previously taken out of use, they are often kept within the ownership of the railway authority to potentially be brought back into use should there be a demand and business case to support it. If neither of these requirements are not present, and considering all other factors and influences, we may look at alternative uses.

If there is an option to support the development and progress of other modes of transport, to encourage people to travel in a greener and more sustainable way, this is something we would consider for future use.

This is what has happened with sections of disused railway lines in the West Midlands, where we have worked with the West Midlands Combined Authority to make the routes available as part of the region’s tram network.

As part of the regulated land disposal process, Network Rail is required to consider any future potential rail use and we foresaw there may be a future need for freight or other traffic along the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension.

As part of the sale to West Midlands Combined Authority, there is a condition that should there be a requirement for freight or other traffic, it could be restored alongside Metro services with at least 10 years’ notice.

The Lichfield to Brownhills section of route has been out of use for a number of years and will be converted to an active travel route as proposed by Lichfield District Council. We retain the ability to terminate the lease should it be identified that there is a case for reinstatement of heavy rail but currently this section and the route via Dudley do not feature in the priorities for us or those of our partners for reinstatement of heavy rail but we regularly review in light of changing policy, planning and funding situations.

Any proposal for reinstatement of railway along this corridor will need to be developed in conjunction with local and regional partners and national government to ensure that it is the right thing to be doing both for the route itself and the wider transport network. At this moment in time there is no project looking at the reinstatement of this route and has no plans to be making applications for development funding in the near future.

I hope this explains why certain decisions are made and demonstrates that we are committed to train travel, sustainable travel and supporting partners to improve public transport both now and in future.