An underground extension to Birmingham International railway station linked directly to Lichfield is being suggested by Sir Richard Branson to ease congestion on the West Coast Mainline.
The link is one of of a number of suggestions made by the Virgin founder as part of his 2020 Vision strategy.
As well as the Lichfield to Birmingham link utilising the M6 corridor, Sir Richard has suggested longer rail franchises linked to past performance.
But in order to achieve his 2020 Vision, the businessman has claimed train operators would need a greater say in areas such timetables, new trains and new route development.
Sir Richard said:
“We are running 21st century high-speed trains through 19th century stations. We need to have 21st century stations. We would like the new franchises to be given control of stations so that the train operators can be incentivised to modernise them.
“What we are asking is that the Government re-thinks the franchise situation to give train operators the opportunity to invest, grow the rail business and lessen the burden on taxpayers.”
