Historic Camp Hill Line Welcomes Passengers After Eight Decades
Three new railway stations in South Birmingham have officially reopened today, marking the return of passenger services to the Camp Hill Line for the first time in over eighty years. The stations—Moseley Village, Kings Heath, and Pineapple Road (Stirchley)—were built on their original sites, which had been closed since 1941 due to coal shortages during the Second World War.
Modern Amenities and Direct Connections
Operated by West Midlands Railway (WMR), these stations provide a direct rail link to Birmingham New Street and Kings Norton, significantly improving connectivity for local communities. The line is serviced by WMR's newest diesel fleet, the Class 196s, which entered service in 2022. Each station features sheltered platforms, accessible lifts, passenger help points on every platform, and secure cycle racks. Additionally, Pineapple Road and Moseley Village stations include designated pick-up and drop-off areas for enhanced convenience.
Transformative Impact on the Region
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for WMR, expressed excitement about the reopening, highlighting that services can take as little as ten minutes from Moseley to New Street. He emphasized that this development will be a gamechanger for residents, whether commuting, visiting loved ones, or traveling for leisure. Sandeep Shingadia, executive director of Transport for West Midlands, noted that restoring passenger services aims to reduce road congestion, cut carbon emissions, and unlock new economic opportunities across the West Midlands.
Broader Railway Expansion Efforts
This reopening follows the recent launch of new stations in Willenhall and Darlaston in the Black Country in March, which restored passenger services after a sixty-year absence. Denise Wetton, Network Rail Central route director, praised the collaborative effort, stating that the project supports community connectivity, regeneration, and economic growth. The train service operates every half hour from Monday to Saturday and hourly on Sundays, with the first train departing from Birmingham New Street at 0627.
The construction was delivered by VolkerFitzpatrick and led by Transport for West Midlands, in partnership with WMR, Network Rail, Birmingham City Council, and the Department for Transport. This initiative is part of a wider program to enhance the railway network across the West Midlands, ensuring it meets passenger needs now and in the future.
