Camp Hill line - progress updates

[Northerngirl]

By some miracle I am there on the 19th thanks to the rale sale, stupidly only got a plusbus thinking the tram was the only thing that might be open by then, im assuming the line is covered in all the existing west mids train day tickets

 

[Liam L]

I think should probably wait official confirmation from WMR / WMCA for a opening day. That notice on national rail might be a error?

A Thursday opening does seem strange to me. Id of thought it be a Sunday personally with a official launch with MPs etc and press on the Monday?

 

[Baxenden Bank]

I think should probably wait official confirmation from WMR / WMCA for a opening day. That notice on national rail might be a error?

A Thursday opening does seem strange to me. Id of thought it be a Sunday personally with a official launch with MPs etc and press on the Monday?

National Rail: The official source for trains in Great Britain. That's what they say in their web address!

Only Pineapple Road has the 19th March date. Kings Heath and Moseley Village just say during 2026.

 

[zwk500]

I think should probably wait official confirmation from WMR / WMCA for a opening day. That notice on national rail might be a error?

If it is an error, it'd be from information supplied by either WMR or NR. (Well pedantically itd be information supplied by rhe project team, who will be in conversation with NR, WMR, WMCA, and several other stakeholders)

 

[Liam L]

Only Pineapple Road has the 19th March date. Kings Heath and Moseley Village just say during 2026.

Which suggests to me it's possibly a error.

 

[pdeaves]

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/pineapple-road/ now states

New station - not yet open
This new station is expected to open during 2026. More information will be published here when it becomes available.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

I think there was something internally suggesting both Darlaston/Willenhall and Camp Hill stations were in final commissioning and testing with a view to launch 'in a few weeks' time'.

This would suggest end of March is possible. Staff have been training on Camp Hill.
Willenhall/Darlaston seems to be just a paper brief at this point so may be waiting of union sign off.

 

[DavidGrain]

Willenhall and Darlaston are new stations on an existing passenger line. I am just interested to know how much training is needed for these stations. I can think only stopping distances and stopping positions. The Camp Hill line, as I recall it, saw only two WMR trains on Saturday mornings.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Willenhall and Darlaston are new stations on an existing passenger line. I am just interested to know how much training is needed for these stations. I can think only stopping distances and stopping positions. The Camp Hill line, as I recall it, saw only two WMR trains on Saturday mornings.

Stopping positions and stopping distances should be physically learnt, not guessed after reading a sheet of paper.

Even as a guard, I wouldn't be totally happy stopping there having not physically checked out the platform, it's platform furniture and visibility.

Not a huge difference in training, drivers will also need to know line speeds, signals etc. There have been training runs across the camp hill for a while for route learning.

 

[Liam L]

7th of April for the camp hill stations:

https://x.com/i/status/2031762069343862840

Revealed... the opening dates for FIVE new stations in the West Midlands

Darlaston and Willenhall: Thursday 19 March
Camp Hill Line - Kings Heath, Moseley Village and Pineapple Road: Monday 7 April

We're so excited to show you what we've been working so hard to build and to bring easier journeys for everyone.

Who’s ready to be the first through the doors?

 

[Gagravarr]

The date is announced, Tuesday 7th April!

Camp Hill Line, Birmingham: On Tuesday, April 7 the brand-new stations of Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road open – giving locals easy access to rail services for the first time since the Second World War.

West Midlands rail revolution continues as Mayor announces opening dates for five new stations

This completes a £185m project, supported by significant Government investment, to reconnect communities to the rail network for the first time in generations.

www.wmca.org.uk

 

[45Fox]

Opening date announced as Tuesday 7 April
(they have put Monday 7 April on Facebook, doh!)

The date is announced, Tuesday 7th April!

West Midlands rail revolution continues as Mayor announces opening dates for five new stations

This completes a £185m project, supported by significant Government investment, to reconnect communities to the rail network for the first time in generations.

www.wmca.org.uk

First day after the Easter weekend then. It's good that a date has now been committed to.

 

[kevin_roche]

It about time. I lost count of the number of times I sat in traffic jams on the number 50 bus from Kings Heath to the city centre, wishing I could have caught a train to school. I am now 72!

I used to live about halfway between Cartland Road and the number 50 bus stop, so a walk to Pineapple Road would have been great.

 

[Liam L]

It about time. I lost count of the number of times I sat in traffic jams on the number 50 bus from Kings Heath to the city centre, wishing I could have caught a train to school. I am now 72!

I used to live about halfway between Cartland Road and the number 50 bus stop, so a walk to Pineapple Road would have been great.

I still think kings heath will be a bottleneck because bad parking etc but it gives a nice alternative than sitting on the bus through there for ages.