Local businesses urged to have their say on reconnecting Coventry to Leicester and Nottingham

Published: Monday 10 October 2022

Midlands Connect has today launched a business survey on creating a direct rail link between Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham. It has launched an online survey urging businesses in the area to have their say on the proposals.

Local businesses urged to have their say on reconnecting Coventry to Leicester and Nottingham

The new survey builds on the Building Back Greener report released last year, which outlined the strong case for reconnecting three major cities and economic hubs in the Midlands, Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham by rail. The report highlighted passengers travelling from Coventry to either Leicester or Nottingham had to change trains at Nuneaton, leading to longer journey times with increased chances of delays. 

Midlands Connect is advising local businesses in Coventry, Leicester, Nuneaton, and Nottingham to complete a short survey, which will support the case for further investment on the route.

The survey takes only a few minutes and can be found here. It closes on Friday 11th November 2022.

Currently, just 3% of journeys from Coventry to Leicester are made by rail, compared to 30% of journeys from Coventry to Birmingham. It is hoped that by building this direct line, more trips will be made by rail rather than road. This change will be a huge stride towards the government’s net zero targets.

The rail line, if improved significant social, environmental, and economic benefits, estimated to be worth £179 million.

Midlands Connect’s CEO Maria Machancoses, commenting on the survey’s release, said:

“Today we are calling on businesses and employers in Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham, and Nuneaton to make their voices heard in our consultation.

Increased connectivity between these cities could bring more jobs and opportunities to the region. The information local companies will give us could really help build our case for this new rail line.”