Major Deal Set to Secure Control of West Midlands Railway Services

Transport leaders in the West Midlands face a critical decision to preserve their significant influence over the region’s railway services. The current collaboration agreement between the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and the Department for Transport (DfT) is due to expire in February, and renewing it is essential for continued local control.

Formed to oversee rail transport, WMRE is jointly owned by the West Midlands Combined Authority and seven partner councils. The existing agreement grants WMRE devolved powers, including the authority to propose fare changes, manage day-to-day contracts and commercial operations, and own the West Midlands Railway brand.

Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority board are set to vote on January 16 to approve a resolution that will extend this arrangement. The renewal ensures that WMRE remains an empowered client of the rail industry, able to compel action and hold operators accountable to deliver excellent services to customers.

A report submitted to the board highlights the importance of the agreement, stating that without it, the region would lose meaningful control over rail outcomes, reverting to a pre-2017 situation. This setback would hinder ambitions for a fully integrated transport network, especially as bus franchising progresses.

The Department for Transport has confirmed its support in writing for WMRE to maintain its devolved powers after February 1. Both the DfT and WMRE are aligned in their intention to continue this partnership, with the new agreement essentially renewing the current terms.

The West Midlands remains one of the few regions outside London with substantial rail devolution, rivaled nationally only by the Liverpool City Region. The successful renewal of this deal is vital to sustaining and improving the region’s rail services in line with wider transport integration goals.