West Midlands Railway Honored as 'Train Operator of the Year' for 2026
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has been awarded the prestigious title of 'Train Operator of the Year' at the 2026 Rail Business Awards, recognizing it as the top train operator in the UK. This accolade comes after a period of significant progress and investment for WMR and its sister-brand, London Northwestern Railway (LNR).
Major Fleet Upgrades and Enhanced Passenger Experience
In recent years, the sister-brands have introduced three new train fleets, resulting in a 40% increase in service capacity. This expansion has improved journeys for over one million passengers weekly. A key highlight of this initiative is the deployment of the Class 730/0 electric trains on high-demand routes, including the Cross City Line, which is the busiest commuter route outside of London.
These new trains are equipped with intelligent air conditioning, enhanced accessibility features, and power points at every seat. Since their introduction, customer satisfaction has surged by 19%, reflecting the positive impact on passenger comfort and convenience.
Substantial Investments in Depot Modernization
WMR has also made significant investments in modernizing its train depots across the region. Facilities in Birmingham, Coventry, Worcester, and Shrewsbury have been upgraded, with a notable £70 million investment into the Tyseley depot in Birmingham. These enhancements, unveiled by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, provide increased capacity and future-proofed equipment to support the new fleets.
Leadership and Recognition
Ian McConnell, managing director at WMR, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, "We are extremely proud to win 'Train Operator of the Year'. This award is testament to the hard work of colleagues across our business, who have successfully introduced three new train fleets and futureproofed our train depots, while continuing to keep passengers moving every day."
The award underscores WMR's commitment to improving regional transport infrastructure and delivering reliable services for commuters in the West Midlands and beyond.
