Passengers have been reassured that HS2 will provide an opportunity for more West Coast Main Line services to stop in Lichfield.
The city’s MP Michael Fabricant raised the issue in Parliament amid fears additional capacity could be used for freight rather than passenger trains.
But Transport Secretary Chris Grayling insisted that areas not served by HS2, including Lichfield, will still benefit.
“Once High Speed 2 comes into operation it will move the express trains off the existing West Coast Main Line and on to the new route,” Mr Grayling said. “That will provide a great opportunity to improve services to intermediate stops such as Lichfield that do not have a good enough service at the moment.
“The Pendolinos have many years to go, and I have no doubt that they will be replaced by a high-quality fast train in the future.
“The new plans will provide an opportunity for more trains to stop at Lichfield.”
Mr Fabricant said he had been “reassured” by the response.
“I and commuters have been worried with talk about more freight traffic being shifted onto the West Coast Main Line at the expense of passenger services,” he said. “But over 40 stations along the West Coast Mainline – including Lichfield and Tamworth – will not be served by HS2.
“That was a good clear answer – it has reassured me and, I hope, my constituents.”
