Burton will see ‘massive’ rail boom under Midlands Rail Hub plan

Local MP, Jacob Collier, met Midlands Connect to hear about the plans for over 300 extra trains a week going through Burton upon Trent, thanks to Midlands Rail Hub.

This would deliver around 4 million extra seats each year for passengers on the key railway route between Burton upon Trent and Birmingham, or through to Nottingham and the East Midlands. This would involve adding up to three extra trains on the route each hour, in each direction.

This means that passengers in Burton will see up to 50 extra trains per day.

The project will also deliver a jobs boost, with more than 12,750 roles expected to result from the Midlands Rail Hub programme, with construction expected to run from 2025 to 2033.

Midlands Rail Hub is a £1.75bn blueprint for faster, better and more frequent connections across the region.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced she is funding the rail upgrade in the spending review, which sets government budgets for the coming years. The scheme was also mentioned in the recent government 10-year infrastructure strategy.

MP, Jacob Collier, said:

'When talking to constituents across Burton and Uttoxeter, one of the issues raised is the need to improve rail services in the constituency, so I am delighted that we are seeing significant local investment to improve train travel for passengers.

'When this funding was announced, Burton was set to get around 150 extra trains each week. Further analysis shows this figure will double, meaning a massive extra 300 extra trains are now due to stop at Burton Station every single week due to this investment.

'This is great progression towards improving Burton’s connectivity, opening up more opportunities for residents, and delivering faster, direct trains for both commuters and passengers.'

Paul Butters, Director of Communications at Midlands Connect, said:

'It was great to meet Jacob, brief him on the plans and explain how Midlands Rail Hub could deliver a massive transport boost for the town. Delivering faster and more frequent trains to Burton upon Trent would make a massive difference, and we are working hard to deliver it.

'I look forward to working with Jacob in the months and years ahead to deliver this vital scheme for the region.'