Government confirms it is 'looking into' plans to re-open stations along the Camp Hill Line:
https://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/regional-affairs/government-plans-kings-heath-moseley-14384634
It's not so much a case of 're-opening' stations, they will have to be built again from scratch!
And where exactly do they plan to open these new stations? The old stations were demolished, and new buildings and developments replaced them. For instance, the old Kings Heath station was where the Homebase and Topps Tiles are now.
An awful lot of money is going to have to be spent to build these 'new' stations, which means there are going to have to be lots of passengers to justify the cost.
These plans have been in the pipeline for several years, I certainly read about them a couple of years back now. They hinged on the building of new 'chords' at Bordesley Junction, so that trains would go into Moor Street, rather than to an already congested New Street station. Which would make sense, given Moor Street's proximity to the future HS2 terminal at Curzon Street. So it seems odd that the new proposal would see the Camp Hill services continue into New Street, with some changes to Hereford services to accomodate them.
I have seen comment on the Stourbridge Line User Group Facebook page that there will be one train an hour from Worcester over the Camp Hill line. There will still be an existing hourly service from Worcester to New Street via University to continue those links. So good news for Worcester which will get an increased frequency on the New Street line.
One train an hour an hour for the new stations doesn't seem that much though, but of course the New Street capacity problem must put paid to a higher frequency until the chords to Moor Street get built. It will of course be far faster to get into the City Centre than by road, so speed will now doubt be the selling point over frequency.
In that case the money would be far better spent on BRT-style bus priority schemes on the 50 route.
I can believe that an hourly service is the best that New Street can manage, but that won't be of any real use.
Quote from: Stu on March 09, 2018, 08:12:42 PM
Government confirms it is 'looking into' plans to re-open stations along the Camp Hill Line:
https://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/regional-affairs/government-plans-kings-heath-moseley-14384634
It's not so much a case of 're-opening' stations, they will have to be built again from scratch!
And where exactly do they plan to open these new stations? The old stations were demolished, and new buildings and developments replaced them. For instance, the old Kings Heath station was where the Homebase and Topps Tiles are now.
An awful lot of money is going to have to be spent to build these 'new' stations, which means there are going to have to be lots of passengers to justify the cost.
These plans have been in the pipeline for several years, I certainly read about them a couple of years back now. They hinged on the building of new 'chords' at Bordesley Junction, so that trains would go into Moor Street, rather than to an already congested New Street station. Which would make sense, given Moor Street's proximity to the future HS2 terminal at Curzon Street. So it seems odd that the new proposal would see the Camp Hill services continue into New Street, with some changes to Hereford services to accomodate them.
The old Hazelwell station building is still there it is a bathroom showroom
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.4298541,-1.9085448,3a,75y,52.87h,92.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sce6ICIxemAQdBpROufmqHw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.4298541,-1.9085448,3a,75y,52.87h,92.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sce6ICIxemAQdBpROufmqHw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en)
I worked very closely on the research regarding the possibility of this line opening. The demand really is there and a lot of people who are currently making journeys on the bus could go on to use the train. The 1 train an hour is a temporary measure and from what I believe will be looked into being increased within the first 12-18 months possibly to as high as every 20 minutes.
1 tph on a suburban rail line in the second city of the country is just pathetic, I'm sorry
Quote from: Kevin on March 10, 2018, 09:40:12 PM
1 tph on a suburban rail line in the second city of the country is just pathetic, I'm sorry
Give it time. Passengers at Tipton and Dudley Port only have 2.
Quote from: Kevin on March 10, 2018, 09:40:12 PM
1 tph on a suburban rail line in the second city of the country is just pathetic, I'm sorry
I agree. 1tph vs 12bph.. it's not going to be used.
Quote from: Dom on March 10, 2018, 09:46:19 PM
Give it time. Passengers at Tipton and Dudley Port only have 2.
Should be 2tph minimum in my honest opinion
Quote from: Kevin on March 10, 2018, 09:40:12 PM
1 tph on a suburban rail line in the second city of the country is just pathetic, I'm sorry
Cannock only gets 1tph off-peak
Quote from: Tony on March 11, 2018, 10:10:26 AM
Cannock only gets 1tph off-peak
Adderley Park gets 1tph.
Instead of thinking a few months into the future, West Midlands Railways should perhaps try looking a bit further ahead and build the chord from outside moor st to camp hill. 1 train per hour into New St will be of no use to anyone other than a few pensioners, shoppers & enthusiasts. With congestion at New St & every other company taking precidence, the one train per hour will never be on time. It will become a new version of the Harborne branch (for those who are unaware, one of the slowest and most unreliable lines in British history - passengers used to jump off the train to catch a quicker bus or tram service daily). Judging by the constant late running/cancellation of trains, a new raft of excuses such as "unusually large passenger flows", the new franchise is already shaping up to be the worst yet in my opinion. The total lack of foresight involved with re-opening the Camp Hill line for passengers just serves to illustrate this fact - if there's a cheap and easy option to only provide half or a third of a service - WMR will seize the opportunity gladly without considering passenger needs.
Quote from: WMT3000 on March 11, 2018, 10:54:50 AM
Instead of thinking a few months into the future, West Midlands Railways should perhaps try looking a bit further ahead and build the chord from outside moor st to camp hill. 1 train per hour into New St will be of no use to anyone other than a few pensioners, shoppers & enthusiasts. With congestion at New St & every other company taking precidence, the one train per hour will never be on time. It will become a new version of the Harborne branch (for those who are unaware, one of the slowest and most unreliable lines in British history - passengers used to jump off the train to catch a quicker bus or tram service daily). Judging by the constant late running/cancellation of trains, a new raft of excuses such as "unusually large passenger flows", the new franchise is already shaping up to be the worst yet in my opinion. The total lack of foresight involved with re-opening the Camp Hill line for passengers just serves to illustrate this fact - if there's a cheap and easy option to only provide half or a third of a service - WMR will seize the opportunity gladly without considering passenger needs.
I presume you haven't read any of the article
They are doing the curves into Moor Street
The New Street solution is the temporary one to speed up the start of services suggested by Andy Street
Quote from: Tony on March 11, 2018, 11:58:06 AM
I presume you haven't read any of the article
They are doing the curves into Moor Street
The New Street solution is the temporary one to speed up the start of services suggested by Andy Street
I've read the article in the Post that was linked at the start of the thread. It states that the Secretary of State for Transport has agreed to "carefully study" the proposal. Is the proposal available for the public to carefully study?
Whilst the careful studying is taking place, it would be better for those who want an improved transport system in south Birmingham to support this scheme. The proposers readily acknowledge it's a short-term fix.
Quote from: Tony on March 11, 2018, 11:58:06 AM
I presume you haven't read any of the article
They are doing the curves into Moor Street
The New Street solution is the temporary one to speed up the start of services suggested by Andy Street
I've just read it again and unless i'm missing something it reads as though nothing's been decided. I've also read minutes of council meetings which suggest it might be a possibility but is unlikely. Incidentally, i'm writing this while sat on the bus because my train to work, run by WMR, is 22 mins late due to "awaiting train crew". Like i said before, they can't even run the existing franchise. It will take more than ambiguous articles full of vagueries to fool me.
Quote from: WMT3000 on March 12, 2018, 07:32:37 AM
I've just read it again and unless i'm missing something it reads as though nothing's been decided. I've also read minutes of council meetings which suggest it might be a possibility but is unlikely. Incidentally, i'm writing this while sat on the bus because my train to work, run by WMR, is 22 mins late due to "awaiting train crew". Like i said before, they can't even run the existing franchise. It will take more than ambiguous articles full of vagueries to fool me.
Of course because WMR are the only company in the entire country that cancel trains due to a lack of train crew! What a stupid comment to make.
Quote from: WMT3000 on March 12, 2018, 07:32:37 AM
I've just read it again and unless i'm missing something it reads as though nothing's been decided. I've also read minutes of council meetings which suggest it might be a possibility but is unlikely. Incidentally, i'm writing this while sat on the bus because my train to work, run by WMR, is 22 mins late due to "awaiting train crew". Like i said before, they can't even run the existing franchise. It will take more than ambiguous articles full of vagueries to fool me.
It quite plainly says nothing has been decided. It states that the Secretary of State will "carefully study" the proposal. Whilst the careful studying is taking place, this is the time for the pressure to be applied. Positive pressure for re-opening at entry level is much preferable to whingeing about it not being the full works.
The issue about West Midlands / London Northwestern / Abellio / East Japan Railway / Tom Cobley is hardly relevant here. To compare March 2018 with the date when Camp Hill might come to fulfilment is pointless. Who knows who'll be the franchisee by then?
It does seem to me, and this is only a "seem", that most new franchises struggle at first with the number of employees; the previous franchisee often seems to cut back on training and recruitment towards the end of their tenure.
Quote from: Dom on March 12, 2018, 09:50:28 AM
Of course because WMR are the only company in the entire country that cancel trains due to a lack of train crew! What a stupid comment to make.
Sorry if i've offended you somehow, obviously easily done. Have to be honest - can't really see your point - didn't mention any other companies. If i didn't turn up for work i wouldn't blame it on other people around the country being late for work - that would be ridiculous frankly! Before posting responses like yours, mentioning people's stupid comments - review your own.
Quote from: WMT3000 on March 12, 2018, 01:08:37 PM
Sorry if i've offended you somehow, obviously easily done. Have to be honest - can't really see your point - didn't mention any other companies. If i didn't turn up for work i wouldn't blame it on other people around the country being late for work - that would be ridiculous frankly! Before posting responses like yours, mentioning people's stupid comments - review your own.
Offended? Far from, i couldn't give a sh*t because my train turned up bang on time and I got to work bang on time.
The fact that you're slaging off the franchise because of a one train is the stupid part. Someone could've gone off sick first thing and they were waiting for a covering member of staff to arrive. It's not always as black and white as youre trying to portray it.
Quote from: Dom on March 12, 2018, 01:36:14 PM
Offended? Far from, i couldn't give a sh*t because my train turned up bang on time and I got to work bang on time.
The fact that you're slaging off the franchise because of a one train is the stupid part. Someone could've gone off sick first thing and they were waiting for a covering member of staff to arrive. It's not always as black and white as youre trying to portray it.
Again, really don't understand your point. It's a bit petty saying well at least i caught
MY train - you sound like a toddler. If it was only one train what happened at Moor st on Saturday? Every train late and running non-stop to Dorridge/Stratford. How about the train that was delayed by half an hour because of "unusually large passenger flows" on an average day in March. And don't expect another reply to your inane, immature responses - fortunately i've got better things to do. And just a tip, before implying that people are stupid, take the trouble to become informed yourself - or at least try to understand the point that's being made. Tbh you're lack of understanding, lack of information and surly tone imply low intelligence.
Quite excited that the camp hill line might be reopening.
To be honest I am surprised that the Bromsgrove trains which don't call at University don't already use the Camp Hill Line. There definitely it one cross city train per hour which uses it going from Birmingham to Cheltenham Spa. Keep meaning to take a trip on it but not managed to yet!
Quote from: sonic84 on March 13, 2018, 07:51:00 PM
Quite excited that the camp hill line might be reopening.
To be honest I am surprised that the Bromsgrove trains which don't call at University don't already use the Camp Hill Line. There definitely it one cross city train per hour which uses it going from Birmingham to Cheltenham Spa. Keep meaning to take a trip on it but not managed to yet!
I'm pretty sure it's used a decent amount by CrossCountry services, which are the only ones going that way that don't call at University iirc. The only other 'express' service than the ones by CrossCountry is the New Street - Hereford service and that calls at University, so the Camp Hill line is out.
I'm sure it depends on what direction the CrossCountry services are going once they leave New Street though, it'd be pointless to have a train that then goes somewhere North via Tamworth to use the Camp Hill line, as it'd need reversing at New Street, whereas if it was going to, say, Manchester, it'd be fine.
Quote from: DJ98 on March 14, 2018, 06:02:32 PM
I'm pretty sure it's used a decent amount by CrossCountry services, which are the only ones going that way that don't call at University iirc. The only other 'express' service than the ones by CrossCountry is the New Street - Hereford service and that calls at University, so the Camp Hill line is out.
I'm sure it depends on what direction the CrossCountry services are going once they leave New Street though, it'd be pointless to have a train that then goes somewhere North via Tamworth to use the Camp Hill line, as it'd need reversing at New Street, whereas if it was going to, say, Manchester, it'd be fine.
At the moment it's only Bristol - Manc XC services and the occasional WMR train like the extras to and from Bromsgrove on Saturdays
Quote from: Kevin on March 14, 2018, 07:01:18 PM
At the moment it's only Bristol - Manc XC services and the occasional WMR train like the extras to and from Bromsgrove on Saturdays
The Man Pic to Bristol services generally only use it southbound, the northbound services still use the Cross City line (both Bristol to Man Pic and Plymouth to Edinburgh services). Confirmed at the West Midlands Trains stakeholder event today was that they are looking into 7 new stations, including the three on the Camp Hill line, Darlaston, Willenhall, as well as Brierley Hill and WM Safari Park.
I think reopening/reusing the Walsall to Wolverhampton line for passenger use would be brilliant as the roads become increasingly congested between WVH and Walsall
Quote from: Cheese on March 14, 2018, 08:17:31 PM
The Man Pic to Bristol services generally only use it southbound, the northbound services still use the Cross City line (both Bristol to Man Pic and Plymouth to Edinburgh services). Confirmed at the West Midlands Trains stakeholder event today was that they are looking into 7 new stations, including the three on the Camp Hill line, Darlaston, Willenhall, as well as Brierley Hill and WM Safari Park.
Brierley Hill and Safari Park were planned to open December 2019 IIRC
These are the planned passing times at Lifford East Jn for Cross Country services for 21/03/18:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/advanced/LIFODEJ/2018/03/21/0200-0159?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=XC
There are 13 northbound and 15 southbound services, they are mainly services going to or from Manchester but 2 northbound services use the Camp Hill line and then reverse in New Street on their way to Glasgow Central via Leeds & Newcastle.
The current proposal is that, if the three stations reopen, they will have two trains per hour in each direction. The two services will be
Shrewsbury - Wolverhampton - Birmingham New Street - Camp Hill - Bromsgrove - Worcester
Shrewsbury - Wolverhampton - Birmingham New Street - Camp Hill - Lifford Curve - University - Birmingham New Street
From December 2018, West Midlands Railway are increasing Birmingham - Shrewsbury services from 1 tph to 2 tph, so extending them over the Camp Hill line will reduce dwell time at New Street. The above proposal would increase the number of trains from New Street to Worcester via Bromsgrove from 1 tph to 2 tph with one via Camp Hill and the other to Hereford via University.
This is an interim solution to get the stations opened as early as possible because, as Tony said, it is still the intention to build the Camp Hill chords into Moor Street, but we are looking at 2026 and beyond before these are built. The chords will not only support services towards Moseley and Kings Heath but will provide the capacity to introduce local services to Tamworth with new stations at places such as Castle Bromwich. One long term service proposed is an East Midlands - Worcester/Hereford service reversing at Moor Street.
The priority for reopening stations (subject to business cases being made) is (1) Camp Hill (2) Walsall - Wolverhampton (3) Brierley Hill Town and Safari Park, with Brierley Hill (Canal Street) to follow.
Quote from: Chris on March 14, 2018, 08:26:15 PM
I think reopening/reusing the Walsall to Wolverhampton line for passenger use would be brilliant as the roads become increasingly congested between WVH and Walsall
It's also a little annoying when there's no trains along there, so catching a bus is faster than the current 'direct' route from Wolves to Walsall. I'm pretty sure I can get the 11/13 from here in Tipton and get to Walsall faster than getting a train too.
Consultation: public invited to have their say on proposals for new stations at Moseley, Kings Heath and Hazelwell:
https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/public-to-have-their-say-on-designs-for-new-railway-stations/
Quote"The exhibitions and online survey will give people the chance to help make sure the new stations feel a true part of their community and I would urge people to have their say."
The initial service from the stations is expected to be two trains an hour into central Birmingham, with journey times of around 15 minutes.
WMRE, TfWM, local train operator West Midlands Railway and Network Rail are all working together on the track, signalling and service changes required.
Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for transport and environment, said: "The public space around these new stations provides an ideal opportunity to create an attractive and distinctive design that creates a unique gateway that also reflects the identity of the local community.
"We want to hear the views of local people about how best to achieve this.
"This is a landmark project for these suburbs and the reopening of the Camp Hill Line will give people an attractive alternative to going by car or bus, helping to cut congestion, especially on the congested A435 Alcester Road."
I would have thought that passengers would just want platforms, some sheltered areas to wait for trains in, and ticketing facilities. I can't see passengers rushing to catch a train stopping to admire impressive designs that "reflect the identity of the local community".
A concern I see from the proposed designs is a lack of car parking facilities at these stations. Perhaps they have dreamy ideas of all these passengers cycling or walking to the station. More likely the 'drop-off' areas will be filled with taxis, the traffic on St Marys Row in Moseley is bad enough as it is at peak-times without additional cars dropping people off or picking up at the station.
On thé local news again, wasn't sure where to post however has the talk of A station at the fort died now ?
New on the new Camp Hill line stations
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-49196527
New Kings Heath train station passed despite concerns over parking
The plan is part of the wider project to reintroduce passenger trains to the Camp Hill line, but there are now concerns surrounding streets and possibly Highbury Park will be targeted by people dumping their vehicles to hop on the train
Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-kings-heath-train-station-17456017
That stretch of Alcester Road gets congested at the best of times, so I can see why this would be a concern.
But in my opinion, if this new station is for the benefit of residents in Kings Heath who commute into Birmingham, surely they're either already driving all the way into the city, or catching the 50 bus?
Would most passengers not simply walk to the new station to catch a train?
If people in Kings Heath want to drive to a train station to complete their journey, wouldn't they already be driving to Yardley Wood station, which is about ten minute drive away and has ample Park And Ride capacity? Or even Kings Norton station?
Quote from: Stu on December 20, 2019, 07:30:14 PM
New Kings Heath train station passed despite concerns over parking
The plan is part of the wider project to reintroduce passenger trains to the Camp Hill line, but there are now concerns surrounding streets and possibly Highbury Park will be targeted by people dumping their vehicles to hop on the train
Read more: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-kings-heath-train-station-17456017
That stretch of Alcester Road gets congested at the best of times, so I can see why this would be a concern.
But in my opinion, if this new station is for the benefit of residents in Kings Heath who commute into Birmingham, surely they're either already driving all the way into the city, or catching the 50 bus?
Would most passengers not simply walk to the new station to catch a train?
If people in Kings Heath want to drive to a train station to complete their journey, wouldn't they already be driving to Yardley Wood station, which is about ten minute drive away and has ample Park And Ride capacity? Or even Kings Norton station?
Those are valid points you've made there. Since the Kings Heath station will cause cars blocking the road, is there even a point rebuilding the line? Moseley and Kings Heath are well served by the 50 which runs every 4 minutes, yes it gets packed during the peak but it still manages.
Quote from: Busboy105 on December 20, 2019, 11:51:01 PM
Those are valid points you've made there. Since the Kings Heath station will cause cars blocking the road, is there even a point rebuilding the line? Moseley and Kings Heath are well served by the 50 which runs every 4 minutes, yes it gets packed during the peak but it still manages.
From the bus operators point of view, it's not going to be favoured. From the public point of view, it's much needed. The result of no train is not only the very frequent 50 route, but more importantly the ridiculous congestion all along the A435 from City to Kings Heath. I'd expect this train line to relieve the A435 significantly.
Think about how heavily invested NX are on the 50. As somebody who's driven the 50 (albeit Diamond), it's the busiest route in terms of passenger numbers I've seen in the West Midlands.
Quote from: Busboy105 on December 20, 2019, 11:51:01 PM
Those are valid points you've made there. Since the Kings Heath station will cause cars blocking the road, is there even a point rebuilding the line? Moseley and Kings Heath are well served by the 50 which runs every 4 minutes, yes it gets packed during the peak but it still manages.
Trains attract people out of cars that houses can't, hence the parking problem
Quote from: MW on December 20, 2019, 11:58:02 PM
From the bus operators point of view, it's not going to be favoured. From the public point of view, it's much needed. The result of no train is not only the very frequent 50 route, but more importantly the ridiculous congestion all along the A435 from City to Kings Heath. I'd expect this train line to relieve the A435 significantly.
Think about how heavily invested NX are on the 50. As somebody who's driven the 50 (albeit Diamond), it's the busiest route in terms of passenger numbers I've seen in the West Midlands.
That's why it's so frequent.
I'll be honest. If people are concerned that parking for the station is going to be an issue then why would they drive there?
Take Hamstead for example, no parking available there but plenty of people still use the train, and no real traffic problems for the village (until it all gets used as a cut through when they demolish the A34 flyover).
I think the stations proposed are all within easy walking distance of most of the people that would use the train
Quote from: Kevin on December 22, 2019, 10:56:55 AM
I'll be honest. If people are concerned that parking for the station is going to be an issue then why would they drive there?
Take Hamstead for example, no parking available there but plenty of people still use the train, and no real traffic problems for the village (until it all gets used as a cut through when they demolish the A34 flyover).
I think the stations proposed are all within easy walking distance of most of the people that would use the train
I don't think the traffic in Hamstead will get worse when the flyover gets demolished. It will be longer to get to town from there.
Quote from: Busboy105 on December 22, 2019, 12:03:14 PM
I don't think the traffic in Hamstead will get worse when the flyover gets demolished. It will be longer to get to town from there.
I take your opinion and ignore it. Hamstead always gets used as a cut through when there's problems on the Walsall Road, while the works are taking place this will become a key route from J7 to the city centre
Does anyone know if any passenger trains as using the Camp Hill Line at the moment?
There used to be a Cross Country train service to Bristol leaving New Street at xx43 which was booked to use the Camp Hill Line.
Does this still run that way, or does anyone know how I can find out please?
Quote from: sonic84 on August 07, 2021, 04:10:32 PM
Does anyone know if any passenger trains as using the Camp Hill Line at the moment?
There used to be a Cross Country train service to Bristol leaving New Street at xx43 which was booked to use the Camp Hill Line.
Does this still run that way, or does anyone know how I can find out please?
You can easily find out using real time trains.
Here are all the services due to use that line today
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:LIFODEJ/2021-08-07/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt
Quote from: sonic84 on August 07, 2021, 04:10:32 PM
Does anyone know if any passenger trains as using the Camp Hill Line at the moment?
There used to be a Cross Country train service to Bristol leaving New Street at xx43 which was booked to use the Camp Hill Line.
Does this still run that way, or does anyone know how I can find out please?
I work in Sparkbrook, not far from the railway line. I often see passenger trains on that line, usually CrossCountry ones.
Quote from: Stu on August 07, 2021, 04:46:39 PM
I work in Sparkbrook, not far from the railway line. I often see passenger trains on that line, usually CrossCountry ones.
I think that trains are diverted Via Camp Hill line to keep drivers updated on diversion if BHM to Bournville is closed. It's like the late night XC one from Cardiff and one from Bristol use the snow hill lines from Norton Jn by Worcester SH to the Galton Junction in Smethwick to BHM
Quote from: BK63 YWP on August 07, 2021, 07:57:19 PM
I think that trains are diverted Via Camp Hill line to keep drivers updated on diversion if BHM to Bournville is closed. It's like the late night XC one from Cardiff and one from Bristol use the snow hill lines from Norton Jn by Worcester SH to the Galton Junction in Smethwick to BHM
I don't know much about train diagrams and movements and the like, to be honest.
Fro my own observations, there are already passenger services that use this line, alongside the numerous freight trains that I see/hear.
The difference in future will be that there will be new stations along this line that passenger trains will be able to serve, rather than just being a diversion or freight route.
Thanks so much.
Looks like it really varies for day to day. Tomorrow there are easily 20+ passenger trains using this route but next week possible only around 5.
Really useful link so thank you for providing it!
Pre COVID the through Cross Country services between Manchester Piccadilly and Bristol Temple Meads would use the Camp Hill line to avoid a reversal in Birmingham New Street.
Yes, that's what I thought, but doesn't appear to be the case now.
Was hoping to ride it before it opens to regular services, so looks like will be an early Cardiff bound train will need to do :-)
The problem is that since COVID Cross Country are not running any through services Manchester to the South West, all the services from Manchester go to Reading and beyond. The only services to the South West are from Derby and beyond which have no need to use the Camp Hill line as they approach Birmingham New Street from the east and so can run via Five Ways without any need to reverse.
So until services get back to normal, there won't be many services along the Camp Hill Line (at times when most people would want to travel), that is until the stopping services along the Camp Hill Line start to run in year XXXX.
The reason the early Cardiff services run via the Camp Hill line is that the services start at Birmingham New Street as the DMU spends the night in Tyseley depot, and to keep the crews up to date with the Camp Hill Line.
Aha, thanks for the explanation! Much appreciated. Cheers
A bit late, but XC are operating via Camp Hill today due to engineering works at University. However, I understand that there will be more engineering possessions at University over the next few months as work proceeds to build the new station building.
According to RTT, CrossCountry services will be diverted via the Camp Hill line on Sunday 5 September.
Oh fab. Thanks so much for letting me know
It was inevitable really...
Major delay to opening of Birmingham's new train line - full list of stations affectedhttps://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/major-delay-opening-birminghams-new-27206917
QuoteThe opening of Birmingham's Camp Hill line has been delayed by a YEAR in an announcement made today, June 27. It means the city's three new railway stations at Moseley, Kings Heath and Stirchley will not be opening as scheduled at the end of 2023.
The brand new railway stations coming to Moseley, Kings Heath and Stirchley are set to restore passenger services in South Birmingham- which closed down during the Second World War. But transport bosses explained today that supply chain and cost concerns and the suspension of construction work for engineering means that although the majority of construction work will be finished early next year, they are targeting an opening date by the end of 2024.