A motion was put to Solihull Council yesterday evening about rail services in Solihull. Whilst welcoming the motion I felt it did not reflect the needs for the whole of the borough, which has train lines running through it. I therefore proposed an amendment, as shown below, and am pleased to report it received an unanimous support from all councillors in the chamber. I am grateful for my colleagues in opposition groups for their support. The motion reads as below.
Motion to Full Council:
Solihull is fortunate to benefit with three major rail corridors passing through our borough. These excellent transport links bring a significant value both to our residents and local businesses.
While this Council recognises the reasons the transport schedule was cut during the pandemic in 2020, we also recognise that rail ridership has increased significantly from its 2020 lows and is tracking to soon surpass ridership levels of 2019.
It is important for the residents and businesses of Solihull that our rail services reflect the needs of the borough, whether services are to Shirley and beyond, Olton/Solihull and beyond, or Marston Green and beyond.
We note that the lower frequency of rail service does reduce travel opportunities or makes rail travel more difficult for people living near stations with lower frequencies.
For example, on the lines connecting Solihull to Birmingham Moor Street and Snow Hill stations, West Midlands Railways is now running only 2 trains per hour (30-minute intervals) on each branch compared with 3 trains per hour (20-minute intervals).
Additionally, any reduction or cancellation of a service has a significant effect on the nighttime economy, creating significant inflexibility and uncertainty for consumers and workers who feel unable to rely on the late train services. The lower frequency of rail service does reduce travel opportunities or makes rail travel more difficult for people living near stations with lower frequencies.
With West Midlands Railway due to come under public ownership from February 2026, this is an opportune time to show that rail services can be improved to deliver the same level of service as was delivered before 2020.
This Council Resolves:
Refer this motion to the Economic Development, Managed Growth and Skills Scrutiny Board, with an aim for them in the new municipal year to:
- Reviewing rail services in the borough, taking evidence from rail operators and West Midlands Rail Executive.
- To make recommendations for identified improvements in services that meet the needs of our residents and workforce, which may include writing of the Secretary of state for Transport.
- Examine the connectivity between local rail and bus services in the borough and make recommendations for service improvement.
- Maintaining a minimum two services an hour for the entire day during Monday to Saturday, on the lines through Shirley, Olton, Widney Manor, and Solihull stations.
Ken Hawkins 
The listing for the Stratford line through Shirley could be interpreted that any increase in the frequency of trains should be to Shirley where trains used to terminate. I suggest that Shirley is replaced by Whitlocks End which is the current terminal point for that line. Given the new building that is planned for that area, terminating at Shirley rather than at Whitlocks End would be a grave error. This is perhaps pedantic but none the less important.