Passengers travelling between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham have outlined their support for proposed upgrades to reconnect the cities by direct rail for the first time in over two decades.
Despite being located just 23 miles apart, travelling between the cities requires passengers to change trains in Nuneaton, with wait times for the connection often exceeding 30 minutes. As a result, just 3% of trips between Coventry and Leicester are made by train; compared to 30% of journeys made between Coventry and Birmingham.
Midlands Connect recently visited Nuneaton railway station to speak with passengers travelling between the cities, waiting for their onward connection, about the proposed upgrades and how they would be impacted.
Elaine and Pamela, who use the route to visit family across the two cities, said “It would improve job opportunities, making it easier to travel between the cities for work. It is so important these days that young people can access work and I feel that this would help people find suitable jobs more easily.”
James was interested in improving services for those with accessibility issues, saying: “Changing trains is really challenging for people with mobility issues. Stations often aren’t well equipped for older people. Direct connections make it a lot more appealing for people with mobility issues to travel, as it reduces issues with getting on and off, but also crossing platforms.”
Joe, who makes the journey between the two cities 5 times a month, said: “A direct line would promote people to use rail more, which is really important if we want to reduce our carbon emissions. People want to be environmentally conscious, but sometimes it feels like we make it harder for people to make the right decisions.”
Direct services between the cities ceased in 2004 to allow for upgrades to the West Coast Main Line. The proposed upgrades, put forward to the Department for Transport by Midlands Connect, would deliver faster and more frequent trains between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham, while removing the need to change train in Nuneaton.
Passengers were overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals, generally stating that they would save them time, and make them more likely to use the train for the journey, rather than travelling by car or bus.
Passengers thought the proposals would help to bring Coventry and Leicester closer together, connecting them economically and culturally, while supporting more sustainable transport choices and reducing urban traffic congestion.
Midlands Connect say that improving connectivity between the cities could drive economic development and promote more sustainable travel. It is estimated that the project could generate £400 million in benefits and £150 million in wider economic benefits, including the creation of 3,000 new jobs.
Midlands Connect continue to champion the upgrades to the line, with passengers along the route echoing the sentiment of local football clubs and universities who have also voiced their support for the plans.
Jodie Gosling, MP for Nuneaton, outlined her support for the plans:
“People in Nuneaton look to Coventry culturally and economically, whilst a growing number are looking East to Leicester. As our town redevelops, and local businesses continue to grow it is clear we need to bolster our connection to our neighbouring towns.”
Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor has also voiced his support:
“The business case for funding to reconnect Leicester and Coventry by rail, and onto Nottingham, removing the need to change train in Nuneaton, is overwhelming.
Coventry and Leicester are located just 25 miles apart, yet only 3% of journeys between them are taken by rail. By investing in these proposals, we can bring people, businesses, and universities, across the three cities closer together, reducing congestion and cutting down carbon emissions.
A direct service could be transformational for Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham, providing job opportunities, promoting collaboration between our universities, attracting investment, and ultimately, driving forwards economic growth across the Midlands. I strongly encourage Government to back this proposal”
Commenting on the publication of the report, Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said:
“This scheme is so important, as we move to decarbonise transport, we must make rail the most attractive option possible. Creating direct routes between major centres is the best way to do this.
The plans will see an increase in services and a reduction in journey times for those travelling between Coventry, Nuneaton, Leicester, and Nottingham by rail; making it a more attractive option compared to driving.”
Image credits: iStock and Midlands Connect
