WEST COAST RAIL 250
West Coast Rail 250 (WCR250) campaigns for improved rail services along the West Coast Main Line to support economic growth and employment.
The group is a non-political group of local authorities, private sector companies, consumer transport organisations, and individuals. WCR250 has strong relationships with the train companies on the route, Network Rail and the Department for Transport, enabling its members to have a greater collective influence.
WCR250 has direct links to national politicians through the West Coast All Party Parliamentary Group, and has connections to the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.
The group supports High Speed 2, but is working to ensure that the scheme will benefit all communities on the existing and future routes.
West Midlands Trains to transfer to public ownership in February 2026
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that West Midlands Trains – operator of services under the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands – is set to transfer to public ownership on 1 February 2026. This is part of an on-going transfer of the current train franchises to the public sector in advance […]
London Northwestern Launch Class 730/2 Trains
A launch event was held at Euston station today for the new Class 730/2 trains which will enter into public service next week. This is part of a £1 billion investment by London Northwestern and West Midlands Railways in new trains and infrastructure across their network. The 730/2 are 5-car trains with 406 seats, and […]
Consultation on Railways Bill
The Department for Transport (DfT) has today launched its consultation on the Railways Bill. The DfT is seeking views on new policies to be included in the forthcoming Railways Bill, which will enable the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), the single directing mind that will run rail infrastructure and passenger services. The reforms will […]