£1bn Commonwealth Games trains plan outlined

West Midlands Trains has outlined its plans to transform the network serving Birmingham ahead of the Commonwealth Games coming to the city in 2022.Birmingham was named host of the four-yearly sporting event in December 2017 and the rail franchise has been working with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Birmingham City Council to help form a transport strategy.Before the games arrive, West Midlands rail passengers will see a £1bn raft of new improvements across the region including new trains and greater capacity on the Cross City line by 2021, more frequent Sunday services in and around Birmingham and major electrification works across the network.Several stations have also been earmarked for improvement including a rebuild of Perry Barr, which will serve both the Athlete’s Village and the Alexander Stadium, major upgrade works at university and other improvements at stations across the network.Additionally, the train operator is looking at introducing seven new stations across the West Midlands, subject to feasibility assessments.Proposed sites include Darlaston, Willenhall, Kings Heath, Moseley, Hazelwell, Merry Hill and the West Midlands Safari Park.