East Midlands Councils warn underinvestment in regional rail is hindering growth

Leaders across the East Midlands have united in calling for a significant boost to regional rail services. A new report from Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM), which brings together 10 Local Transport Authorities across the East Midlands under the auspices of East Midlands Councils, has highlighted the region's potential for growth but warned that underinvestment in rail is hindering progress.

The report, titled "A Platform for Growth," reveals that the East Midlands rail network is significantly less frequent and reliable compared to other regions, which is having a direct impact on the economy, with rail services estimated to be worth £356 million per year.

Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of TfEM, emphasised the need for a clear plan to expand and improve services. "Around 75% of stations in the East Midlands are served by just one train per hour or fewer," he said, calling for increased frequency and reliability.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way. We need to see a new clear plan for growth for this region in terms of both services and performance.”

The report highlights the disparity of rail connectivity to the rest of the UK with only 108 stations serving five million people with the region also lacking direct connections between key towns. It also highlights the disparity in regional transport investment, with the East Midlands receiving the lowest spend per head on all transport for the past 25 years.

Mayor of the new East Midlands Combined Authority, Claire Ward, highlighted the importance of rail for reducing car journeys and meeting climate goals. "Our regional rail network doesn't yet match the ambition of our towns and cities," she stated.

To help combat this, the report suggests several short-term improvements, including the reintroduction of a full timetable across the region which was originally reduced during the pandemic alongside a strategy for rolling stock which covers 2030 onwards.

Will Rogers, Managing Director at East Midlands Railway, said, “Although our regional fleet is undergoing a major £28.2 million refurbishment, the East Midlands transport spend per head has been significantly below the UK average level for the last 25 years.

“We are keen to work in partnership with Transport for the East Midlands, our mayors and other stakeholders to improve this situation.”