New Era for Birmingham’s Cross City Line with Launch of Class 730 Trains

West Midlands Railway has introduced a new fleet of Class 730 trains on Birmingham's Cross City Line, marking a significant upgrade in capacity and passenger experience as part of a £1 billion investment.

 

Today marks a transformative moment for rail passengers on Birmingham’s Cross City Line as West Midlands Railway (WMR) introduces the new Class 730 fleet into service. This latest development is part of a broader £1 billion investment aimed at revitalizing the local rail infrastructure and enhancing commuter services.

The Class 730 trains, replacing the three-decade-old fleet, are designed to significantly boost capacity and passenger comfort. Comprising 48 three-carriage trains, the new fleet adds up to a total of 144 carriages, increasing passenger capacity by one-third. The modern features of these trains include spacious interiors with walk-through carriages, accessible toilets, WiFi, and power points at every seat, ensuring a more comfortable and connected travel experience.

Ian McConnell, West Midlands Railway Managing Director, emphasized the impact of the new fleet: "The introduction of this modern new train fleet marks the start of a new era for our customers on the Cross City Line. With extra space and modern features such as digital information screens and power points, the fleet will make a huge difference to millions of journeys across the West Midlands every year."

Rail Minister Huw Merriman lauded the introduction of the new trains, noting their importance in enhancing the passenger experience for the millions who rely on the Cross City Line annually. "Replacing ageing rolling stock is crucial to the sustainability, reliability, and growth of our network by encouraging more people to travel by rail, and I’m pleased passengers in the West Midlands will benefit from this investment for years to come," Merriman added.

The Cross City Line, one of the busiest commuter routes in the UK outside London, facilitates millions of passenger journeys each year, connecting key West Midlands conurbations including Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield, Longbridge, Bromsgrove, and Redditch. The line also serves major stations like Birmingham New Street and the recently redeveloped University station, catering to a substantial daily passenger flow.

The Class 730s will gradually replace the existing Class 323 trains during the spring and summer months, with the full transition expected by autumn. The first Class 730 train in passenger service embarked on its journey today at 6.06am from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley. Each Class 730 train will operate in pairs, providing six carriages and a capacity for more than 1,000 passengers.

This fleet upgrade not only promises to improve daily commutes but also strengthens the region's commitment to sustainable transportation and modernized rail services.