Midlands rail consortium looking to cut travel costs
A bid by a group of councils to take control of rail services across the Midlands will help save commuters money, according to its chairman.
Councillor Roger Lawrence is leading West Midlands Rail, a consortium of 14 local authorities, including Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, who want to be responsible for rail services once London Midland's franchise comes to an end.
They want to have a greater say over the next franchise and the ability to set fares.
Councillor Lawrence said the move will also mean a smartcard service, similar to London's Oyster card, could be offered on trains to people from outside the seven council areas whose transport is currently overseen by Centro.
Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley, Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull all fund Centro.
But West Midlands Rail also includes, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Northamptonshire.
The consortium is seeking control of stations and a say on security and car parking.
Councillor Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said: "It's important we have some strategic direction. It gives us greater control over services.
"Fares are one of the things we will be looking at. We will be looking to help people save money and get better deals.
"It's an integrated economy and currently the boundaries for transport don't reflect that."
London Midland today also threw its support behind the West Midlands Rail project.
Lindsey Preece, spokeswoman for London Midland, said: "We are very supportive of the idea, having seen the benefits of more local decision-making working well for other train companies such as Merseyrail.
"We are helping West Midlands Rail work up their proposals for the Secretary of State for Transport."
The councils have signed a proposition to send to Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin.
They also say it will help them get the most out of the controversial £50 billion high speed rail line HS2.
