Transport UK marks successful stewardship of West Midlands Trains ahead of transition to public ownership
Transport UK has marked the successful conclusion of its stewardship of West Midlands Trains (WMT), as the railway prepares to transition to public ownership at 02:00 AM, 1 February.
Like the transfer of Greater Anglia to DfTO, this programme has been meticulously and tirelessly delivered, enabling a smooth transition with seamless execution. In keeping with Transport UK’s delivery-first and client-service approach, the handover has been completed on time and effectively, even in a highly complex environment, reflecting months of close collaboration between teams and the successful transfer of more than 3,400 employees and 14 fleets, delivered in full. The scale and efficiency of the transfer demonstrate excellence in delivery across the organisation.
The transition brings to a close a period of focused delivery in which Transport UK has worked to build two nationally leading rail networks, West Midlands Railway to serve the communities in the West Midlands and London Northwestern Railway for intercity travel. During our stewardship, Transport UK has invested £ 1 billion in the region's rail network, including £700 million in new and refurbished trains. The two brands, combined, now serve 150 stations and employ 3,400 people.
Under Transport UK’s stewardship, West Midlands Trains has:
· Carried 67.7 million passenger journeys in 2024/25, with demand forecast to exceed 80 million journeys across the network in 2025/26.
· Carried out major upgrades at four stations and more than £80 million at Bletchley Traction Maintenance Depot.
· Reopened University Station in January 2024, increasing capacity to 7.2 million journeys a year.
· Modernised the railway with three new train fleets and 400 extra carriages.
· Prepared the railway for future growth, with five new stations due to open on the West Midlands Railway network.
· Increased arrival performance to within 3 minutes in 2024/25, and recognised as the industry’s “Most Improved Operator” across the London and South East region for the third year in a row.
Dominic Booth, CEO of Transport UK Group, said:
“We are proud of the work delivered at West Midlands Trains under our stewardship. By drawing on the expertise of Britain’s most seasoned transport professionals, we have delivered a regional railway that serves the needs of the West Midlands community, while also operating intercity services that connect the region to the rest of the country.
“Our focus has been on building an operation that performs well day to day and can be handed over in good order. Transport UK always prioritises client delivery. I am proud that our teams have ensured the satisfaction of the DfT and DfTO throughout the transition. It is a perfect reflection of Transport UK’s approach to rail - disciplined, delivery-first management and a commitment to leaving networks stronger than we found them, long after transition.”
Ian McConnell, Managing Director of West Midlands Trains, said:
“This transition marks an important moment for West Midlands Trains and for the colleagues who run the railway every day for our passengers.
“Over recent years, we have supported millions of passenger journeys, introduced new trains, upgraded stations, invested in our depots and improved our arrival performance across a busy rail network.
“As we move onto the next phase, we do so on the back of strong financial management, experienced leadership and a delivery-first model, which has left a legacy of excellence, to build on.”
As West Midlands Trains transitions to public ownership, Transport UK looks ahead, applying its proven delivery model to new markets and sectors. The group continues to operate East Midlands Railway, Merseyrail, and 11% of the London bus network. It also provides services in transport management consulting (TransportWorks), rail replacement, HR/finance support (Solvd.), and business travel planning.
Read more about Our West Midlands Trains Journey.
About Transport UK
Transport UK is a UK-owned and operated transport group with experience delivering some of Britain’s highest-performing rail services, including Merseyrail (with Serco), East Midlands Railway and West Midlands Trains. The group also operates 11% of London’s bus routes and provides specialist services in transport management, HR and finance solutions, as well as rail replacement logistics. With a track record of excellence and experienced leadership, Transport UK is shaping the future of integrated public transport in the UK and beyond.
