West Midland Mayor, Andy Street, backed the proposed ‘Stourbridge Dasher’ during a visit to the Stourbridge Junction alongside Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb.

Despite wet and windy conditions, the pair met with Pre Metro Directors, Steve Jasper and Phil Evans, to discuss the viability and potential of the ‘Stourbridge Dasher’: a service that could soon be in place to connect Stourbridge and Brierley Hill.

They discussed how to facilitate economic regeneration within the local area in the post-Covid era, and how light rail operations can play a vital role in connecting the two communities.

The Stourbridge Shuttle operation has shown how effective, low-cost light rail services can connect the community and offer an eco-friendly transport solution at up to 66% of the running cost of a typical train.

Speaking after the meeting, Steve Jasper stated:

“It’s time to level up Dudley’s connectivity using existing rail infrastructure to improve the travel network within the local area and get traffic off of busy local roads, like the A461.”

“We can bring Brierley Hill back onto the railway map; regenerate the local economy; and make it easier for families to visit each other through a frequent and easily accessible light rail service.”

Pre Metro launched a second bid to the DfT Railway Fund for a grant to conduct studies into how passenger service could be introduced on the line, which is currently only being used for heavy freight.

Requesting an amount of £50,000, this fee could be enough to get a Stourbridge to Brierley Hill service in motion following further research.

With local businesses struggling due to the pandemic and families disconnected, this proposed service would be a step towards reconnecting the community, promoting interregional tourism, and restoring the local economy.