Network Rail Mixed Use Rail team visits Pre Metro to explore low-cost branch line innovation

On Friday, 21st November, UKTram Member, Pre Metro, welcomed Network Rail’s Mixed Use Rail (MUR) team to Stourbridge for a detailed showcase of the Stourbridge Shuttle operation, depot facilities and Pre Metro’s pioneering approach to low-cost branch line rail.

The visit began at Stourbridge Junction, where senior representatives from both organisations gathered before touring the Shuttle depot. The session provided valuable insight into Pre Metro’s unique operating model, which continues to deliver exceptional reliability and efficiency – making the Shuttle one of the most dependable rail services in the UK.

Company Chairman, Steve Jasper, shared the site’s history and discussed how Pre Metro’s pragmatic, cost-effective philosophy has consistently enabled high performance, as demonstrated by the Shuttle’s industry-leading operational statistics and vehicle longevity.

During the tour, the MUR team were shown how Pre Metro's efficient approach could be replicated across other branch lines nationwide, particularly when utilising a modest depot and new VLR rolling stock.

The walkthrough of Pre Metro's engineering facilities included:

• Pre Metro's flywheel-assisted hybrid propulsion system, which stores regenerative energy to support the engine on gradients, demonstrates locally driven Black Country innovation

• Evidence of long-term durability, with Porterbrook confirming the Shuttle units remain in good condition after 16 years of operation, thanks to their engineering rigour

• Ongoing improvement programmes, including a recently submitted three-year upgrade plan and the recent installation of CCTV across the fleet.

Another key discussion point was the progress of the Stourbridge–Brierley Hill ‘Dasher’ project.

Managing Director, Phil Evans, highlighted a lack of engagement at the Local Transport Authority level, despite Pre Metro already stating that it would match any funding for the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for a Stourbridge Dasher.

Key to the visit was a demonstration of how the Stourbridge Branch Line could support mixed-use operations should the Dasher develop, perhaps becoming a model scheme for Mixed Use Railways. In this regard, the Stourbridge Dasher could demonstrate:

• Safe segregation of freight and passenger services

• Cost-efficient infrastructure management

• Proven commercial viability

• Scalable deployment of Very Light Rail across similar branch lines

  
  

Back at Pre Metro’s main office, Programme Integration Manager at Network Rail, Richard Ellis-Hobbs, presented their pioneering data model on VLR, tram, tram-train, and heavy rail solutions – where they are utilising patronage estimates, train capacity and expected operational expenditure to determine a generalised applicability to each modes, and determine the ‘sweet spot’ for patronage capacity and revenue, and to serve as a building block in initial service development.

Pre Metro believes that research and data models such as the one presented will equip local authorities and industry bodies with practical tools to rethink how existing rail infrastructure is used. Innovations of this kind could be key to unlocking logical, affordable and accessible transport solutions for towns and regions that remain poorly connected.

The Mixed Use Rail team also reinforced the view that rail does not need to operate in traditional silos, and that the industry is continuing to innovate in the way services are planned and delivered. Pre Metro’s experience over 16 years suggests that embracing innovation can transform a once-underutilised local branch line into a top-performing Very Light Rail service. Link to the full article here.