Pre Metro Operations

We’re proud to be operating one of the most effective, efficient, and frequent light rail services in the UK today – the renowned Stourbridge Shuttle. For nearly eighteen years, we have been an active part of the community and providing the best service on this line.

We’re committed to people and the environment, collaborating with leading innovators in the UK’s light rail sector to foster a brighter, cleaner, and greener future for everyone.

We’re eager to work with you to forge connected, vibrant communities across the West Midlands and beyond.

Very Light Rail – VLR

Very Light Rail is a lighter, smaller tram. The vehicle we use to provide the passenger service between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town is the UK’s first VLR system.

Light Rapid Transit – LRT

Light Rapid Transit is the description for tram systems often seen in larger towns and cities. The Midland Metro system that operates in Wolverhampton and Birmingham is an example.

What we do

1.

Consult

As transport experts, we offer consultancy services across VLR and LRT projects. Our team’s experience spans driving, operations management, and strategic oversight, ensuring your projects benefit from our comprehensive knowledge.

2.

Collaborate

Collaboration is key to our success. We engage with promoters of public transport projects and local organisations, aiming to enhance public transport accessibility for everyone. Supporting our Stourbridge community with investments is one way we do this.

3.

Innovate

Respecting past innovations, we strive to contribute to future advancements. Our focus on health, safety, efficiency, and sustainability drives our continuous efforts to seek and support local and regional innovative transportation projects.

4.

Operate

With over a decade of excellence in public transport operation, we maintain an enviable reliability record, averaging 99.6% PPM annually. We’re well-equipped to operate any VLR or LRT service in the UK and are actively seeking expansion opportunities.

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The Stourbridge Shuttle

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Proposed new routes

Stourbridge to Brierley Hill

We have been promoting a new shuttle service from Stourbridge Junction to Brierley Hill. Utilising existing freight lines, we believe that a passenger link would be hugely beneficial to many people and local businesses. This proposal has received great support from both the local community and key political figures alike.

Oswestry to Gobowen

We support the reinstatement of the branch line to connect Gobowen Railway Station with Oswestry, including The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, representing a significant step in enhancing public access to essential services and facilities. Cambrian Heritage Railways is currently working to establish a full business case.

Ironbridge to Telford

The establishment of a bidirectional VLR system from Ironbridge to Telford aligns with the area’s redevelopment goals and local Revolution VLR project. It promises to alleviate congestion, particularly during peak tourist seasons, offering a sustainable transport alternative that respects and supports the area’s World Heritage status.

March to Wisbech

The mothballed Bramley branch line presents us with an incredible opportunity to establish VLR services between Fenland’s economically disconnected Wisbech – one of the largest towns in the UK without local access to the railway - and the nearby market town of March – with volumes of traffic and personal vehicle usage deemed a public health hazard in 2020.

Walsall to Lichfield

Our vision for the Walsall to Lichfield line is a pragmatic yet innovative approach, where Very Light Rail passenger services could initially serve the route, with the flexibility to transition to heavy rail as demands and resources evolve, representing our philosophy of Upcycling: the transition of railcars across the extended development of services.

Where next?

Innovative urban VLR systems or Branch Line projects have the potential to feature lightweight, battery-powered vehicles running on cost-effective, low-impact or segregated tracks; provide efficient, eco-friendly transit; reduce local congestion; and promote sustainability within our towns and cities. If you have a proposal that you want to promote or develop, contact us.

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