Cross-City Line trains saved

Modern trains saved for the Cross-City Line

MP hails ‘hugely welcome’ lease extension ahead of nationalisation

The modern trains introduced to the Cross-City Line last year will continue to serve local commuters.

There had been fears that the trains may be moved elsewhere in the country when their lease expired in April.

The Department for Transport has now confirmed in writing to Laurence Turner, Labour MP for Birmingham Northfield, that as part of the:

‘Transition work to public ownership the leases on these trains have been extended beyond April 2026 and will continue in service on the CrossCity line.’

All West Midlands Railway services are due to come back under public ownership in February as the new Great British Railways body starts to replace privatised franchises. The new Class 730 trains’ lease had been timed to end with the franchise. [2]

Laurence Turner, Labour MP for Birmingham Northfield and Transport Select Committee member, said:

’The modern and accessible trains have made a huge difference to passengers since last year.

’I’ve raised their future repeatedly in Parliament and with transport Ministers, and I’m delighted that commuters in my constituency will continue to be served by them.

’These trains are a Midlands success story – built in Derby and now serving the busiest commuter route outside of London and the South East.

’This hugely welcome news caps a good week for rail commuters, as next year’s fare rise has been cancelled.

‘Labour is investing in local transport services. Now we need to restore six trains an hour on the Cross-City Line and improve bus services to encourage more people on to public transport.’