Heritage rail trial highlights Mixed-Use Railway potential
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Mixed-Use Railway community has commended a new heritage rail trial connecting Bewdley with Birmingham as a practical example of Mixed-Use Railway thinking. The Severn Valley Railway has joined forces with West Midlands Rail Executive and West Midlands Railway to launch an eight-week trial, beginning on September 1st, 2026.
Heritage steam and diesel trains will carry passengers along the three-and-a-half-mile route between Bewdley and Kidderminster, where they can change onto West Midlands Railway services serving Birmingham. Mainline ticket holders will be able to use their normal rail tickets on the heritage section.
Operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the service will offer two morning and two evening commuter journeys. The trial will assess passenger demand and explore whether selected services currently terminating at Kidderminster could eventually be extended to Bewdley.
The project reflects the principles of Mixed-Use Railway, a cross-industry initiative that encourages decision-makers to match the right type of rail with each market. It also explores how different rail operations can connect, share resources and make better use of existing infrastructure.
In this case, a heritage railway will provide an everyday passenger service linked to the national network, testing a new transport option before any longer-term decisions are made.
Network Rail is part of the West Midlands Rail integrated arrangement and plays an active role in the Mixed-Use Railway community.
Simon Coulthard, Head of Light Rail at Network Rail and UKTram Board Member, said:
“This trial is a great example of Mixed-Use Railway thinking in practice and we commend everyone involved for demonstrating how existing infrastructure and different types of rail operation can be connected around passenger needs. The trial will also provide valuable evidence about demand, helping to inform decisions about rail connectivity in the area.”
The project could improve access to employment and education, support Bewdley’s visitor economy and provide an alternative to car travel. Further details about timetables and ticketing arrangements will be announced in due course.
Find out more
Mixed-Use Railway promotes a more flexible and market-led approach to rail development. When rail is the answer, the type of rail matters. Find out more about Mixed-Use Railway.