Plans on track for new electric railway line

A rail operator is on track with plans to run electric trains services on the Chase Line in the West Midlands from next month.

Network Rail started a £100m scheme in 2013 to electrify the 15 miles of railway between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and cut the cost of running the railway.

West Midlands Railway said: “On Sunday 7 April, a successful test run of a West Midlands Railway train took place on the newly electrified line between Walsall and Rugeley.

“Further tests using Class 350s will also take place in due course. Electric passenger services will be introduced in May.”