The billion-pound Midlands Rail Hub project is set for lift off thanks to a £123m funding injection from the Department for Transport (DfT).
The first wave of funding will be set aside for the design work necessary to create the space needed for extra services.
This includes how infrastructure will need to be improved and finalising operating plans for the incoming services.
Around seven million people across the midlands are set to benefit, along with 50 stations.
The investment is part of the Network North plan, which pledged £1.75bn to deliver the Midlands Rail Hub in its entirety.
Most routes can expect services to increase by between 50% and 100%, according to the government. Birmingham’s Cross-City line will see a train every 10 minutes, for example.
Ultimately, the project will see an extra train every hour in both directions between central Birmingham and Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, and Worcester.
The Midlands Rail Hub will provide a regional revolution in public transport, according to Andy Street, the mayor of the west midlands.
He said: “This investment will not only better connect communities to convenient and rapid public transport services but also attract further investment into our region, delivering jobs, growth and greater prosperity.”
Leaders from across the rail sector will descend on Birmingham today to attend TransCityRail Midlands, which will see decision-makers from Network Rail, HS2, DfT and more all speak.
Image credit: iStock
