West Midlands Railways Finally Set Opening Dates for Five New Stations After Years of Delays

After years of delays and disappointment, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has confirmed the opening dates for five new railway stations across Birmingham and the Black Country. This milestone marks a major step forward for the £185 million project that will restore rail services to communities long without connections.

The three new stations on the Camp Hill Line — Kings Heath, Moseley, and Pineapple Road — are set to open on Tuesday, April 7. Meanwhile, two additional stations in Willenhall and Darlaston will welcome passengers several weeks earlier, on Thursday, March 19.

These stations signal the return of passenger rail services to areas that have been without them for decades. The Camp Hill Line stations had been closed since 1941 during World War II, while Willenhall and Darlaston lost their passenger train stops in 1965.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker described the reopening as a lifeline for local residents, providing much-needed transport links. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted the government’s commitment to improving public transit, reducing congestion, and fostering new opportunities for jobs, housing, and travel across the West Midlands. She emphasized the importance of returning rail services to public ownership to build a reliable railway network.

Jonny Wiseman, Customer Experience Director for West Midlands Railway, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s impact, noting the new stations will create fast, direct rail links to Birmingham city center, benefiting thousands of commuters and leisure travelers by significantly reducing travel times.

Network Rail Central route director Denise Wetton praised the partnership behind the initiative, pointing out the railway’s essential role in connecting communities, supporting regeneration, and driving economic growth. She called these openings a key part of a broader set of transformative improvements to the West Midlands rail network aimed at better serving passengers now and in the future.