Black Country railway stations scoop national award just six months after opening

Two new railway stations in the Black Country have helped secure a prestigious national award just six months after opening to passengers.

Willenhall and Darlaston railway stations were among five new stations recognised at the 2026 National Rail Awards, with West Midlands Railway (WMR) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) jointly winning the Major Project of the Year category.

The award also recognised the opening of Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road in Stirchley, which form part of the new Camp Hill Line in south Birmingham.

The five stations were delivered as part of a £185 million development programme, with Willenhall and Darlaston opening on March 19 and the three Birmingham stations following on April 7.

Since opening, more than 81,000 passenger journeys have been made using Willenhall and Darlaston, while the Camp Hill Line stations have recorded more than 307,000 journeys.

The construction programme was led by TfWM in partnership with WMR, Network Rail, Kier and VolkerFitzpatrick.

All five stations feature sheltered platforms, accessible lifts, ticket machines and secure cycle racks.

Denise Wetton, integrated managing director for GBR West Midlands, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised for the five new stations, which have opened up faster and greener journeys for residents across Birmingham and the Black Country.

"By working closely with industry partners, we are creating a network that better supports passengers across the region and beyond."

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the award, saying the number of journeys made since the stations opened demonstrated the demand for improved public transport across the region.

He said: "We know if we can build good quality, reliable public transport, people will use it, and almost 400,000 journeys from our new stations shows just how strong that demand is.

"That’s good for businesses, the environment, and our economy.

"Getting these stations finished and up and running has really energised these communities and this well-deserved National Rail Award is also a credit to the hard work of everyone involved."

The National Rail Awards, organised by RAIL magazine, recognise achievements across Britain's railway industry and are often referred to as the 'Oscars of the railway.’