Today (Monday 28 July 2025) the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that West Midlands Trains – operator of services under the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands - is set to transfer to public ownership on 1 February 2026. This announcement is part of the DfT’s ongoing Public Ownership Programme.
We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public owner
Today (Monday 28 July 2025) the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that West Midlands Trains – operator of services under the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands - is set to transfer to public ownership on 1 February 2026. This announcement is part of the DfT’s ongoing Public Ownership Programme.
We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public owner
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has today (18 July) hosted the UK’s first chess tournament on board a moving train ahead of International Chess Day, which takes place this weekend.
Passengers boarding the 10:36 service from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley were greeted by the contest held on one of WMR’s Class 730 electric trains.
Eight chess players went head-to-head in three ro
Passengers using the northern section of the Cross City Line between Birmingham and Lichfield are being reminded no trains will run for seven days later this month.
There will be no services between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley from Monday 28 July until Sunday 3 August inclusive, with the line reopening as normal on Monday 4 August.
To help keep passengers moving during t
Network Rail will begin a major £1.4 million upgrade of the footbridge at Longport station this summer to improve safety for passengers and pedestrians and enhance the long-term resilience of the structure for years to come.
From 26 July to 14 September, engineers will carry out essential repairs to the bridge, which crosses two electrified tracks at Station Street, Stoke-on-Trent.
While thi
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has teamed up with Northamptonshire’s railway operators to help staff spot the signs of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Partners, including London Northwestern Railway and East Midlands Railway who operate the two train lines in Northamptonshire, have helped to create a specialist training package.
It includes a four-minute educational video,
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has today (Tue 1 Jul) named one of its newest trains in honour of England footballer Jess Carter as the Lionesses prepare to defend their Euros title.
Experienced defender Jess, age 27, grew up in Warwickshire and pupils from her former secondary school were among the guests at a special ceremony in her honour at Leamington Spa railway station this morning.
Jess h
