A TRAIN operator has urged regional transport chiefs to give the green light to create a Stourbridge and Brierley Hill light rail link as a cost-effective alternative to expensive Metro extension plans.
Stourbridge rail operator Pre Metro has called for an existing freight line track between the two towns to be utilised to help cut congestion in the area and get people to their destinations more quickly.
The Stourbridge Dasher idea, which has been mooted for the last few years, has received initial support from politicians and the public.
The team at Pre Metro, which runs the Stourbridge Shuttle, believe the plan offers a pragmatic solution to the region's transportation challenges - and they’ve called on the West Midlands Combined Authority to collaborate now.
A spokesperson for Pre Metro said: “Amid growing concerns over the escalating costs and delays of the West Midland Metro extension between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill, a groundbreaking and financially savvy alternative is ready to revolutionise the region.
“The West Midlands Metro extension between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill has been plagued by budget overruns and delays, with costs ballooning from the original £449 million allocation to a projected £650 million.
“The second phase alone, linking Dudley to the Waterfront, is now expected to cost £228 million, with additional funds required to extend the line to Merry Hill. The increased financial burden has sparked concern regarding its impact on other local projects.
“This service would utilise the existing Round Oak dual-track freight line, repurposing it for a bidirectional railcar service between Stourbridge Junction and Canal Street.
“The initial phase of the project, connecting Stourbridge to Brierley Hill, could be implemented for just £30 million—significantly less than the current Metro extension.
“Moreover, the Stourbridge Dasher could be extended to Merry Hill and Dudley for an additional £50 million, bringing the total cost to £80 million—representing a staggering 78 per cent savings compared to the £228 million required for the equivalent Metro extension.”
Pre Metro says surveys have revealed overwhelming community support for the project but consideration of the plan by Transport for West Midlands has been pushed back until further finance and other reports are completed in 2027.
But Pre Metro bosses say opportunities could be lost by then and they’ve called on the WMCA to take action and work together with an existing local transport operator to adapt the Metro proposal to save public money and enhance connectivity.
Steve Jasper, director of Pre Metro, said: “It's time for the combined authority to prioritise financial accountability and embrace transformative alternatives, safeguarding public funds for the greater good and delivering a brighter, more connected future for all.”
Sandeep Shingadia, director of strategic partnerships and integration at Transport for West Midlands, said when asked about the Dasher plan: “We are undertaking feasibility studies into five potential mass transit routes, including the Brierley Hill to Stourbridge corridor.
“These will explore a range of high-capacity turn-up-and-go public transport options from rapid bus transit services to full tramways. We have invited Pre-Metro for further engagement at the appropriate time as these proposals develop.”
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