Birmingham's newest railway stations at Kings Heath, Moseley Village and Pineapple Road on the Camp Hill line have now been open for four months as of today (July 7). Since their April opening, commuters and local businesses have reported enjoying the new facilities, with early figures showing 130,000 passengers used the three stations in the first two months of operation.
Positive Start for Long-Awaited Stations
The stations, which have been closed since 1941, are part of a £185 million project that also includes two new stations in Willenhall and Darlaston. Despite a series of delays, residents in Kings Heath have welcomed the addition, with many noting the convenience of train travel over navigating traffic.
Demi Rice, who works at The Station pub opposite the new Kings Heath station, praised the service: "I think the new station's really handy with getting to New Street and it's handy for getting onto the High Street. I know a lot of people who do use it. It's really useful especially for older people when they need to go into town." She added that the pub has seen customers arriving by train, saying, "We get people who are coming from Moseley who have got off the train and have come in here."
Businesses See Benefits, But Some Report Issues
Jane Morel, from The Book Tower on Poplar Road, noted that the station has attracted new customers: "We have had people who've told us they've come in on the train. We've got a stall at the Redbrick Market in Digbeth and we advertise there that we've also got a shop in Kings Heath. We've had people who've said it's really easier to hop on the train and get here." She also highlighted the broader impact, saying, "There are people from the other side of the city saying 'it's the first time we've come into Kings Heath for a while' and so I think it is definitely making a difference."
However, not all businesses have seen an uplift. Karen Sanderson, from The Jewellery Stop, said footfall has not changed significantly and raised concerns about reliability: "The people I've spoken to who have gone to use the service said it's been cancelled. We had a gentleman staying here and he was going to get the train but both had been cancelled so he got the bus into Birmingham Airport. A couple of times we've heard it's not been very reliable." She suggested that transport bosses could do more to promote the area, asking, "Wouldn't it be great doing the railway line with details of what's at each location?"
Calls for Better Promotion and Reliability
Sophie Stewart, a Kings Heath resident shopping at The Jewellery Stop, echoed the need for better advertising of local attractions: "When I went up to Manchester to study, it was so much easier to know where everything was. The city really communicated well with the students. When I came back here, I thought it doesn't communicate what's here. You have to go out and look." She also experienced cancellations but remains excited about the service, saying, "I've used the trains and also tried to use it and it's been cancelled. I used it to see what it was like and was very excited."
Despite these teething troubles, the overall sentiment is positive. Morel, who lives near Pineapple Road station, appreciates the convenience: "Where I live, the bus service isn't as great so it's made a massive difference to our estate. I think it will really help bring people who don't usually shop in Kings Heath but are aware of all the independent shops." With four bookshops in the area, she believes the train makes it easier for visitors to explore.
Future Prospects
As the stations become more established, residents and business owners hope that reliability improves and that more people discover the benefits of train travel to these vibrant suburbs. Rice remains optimistic: "I think it's been a success. I think some people don't realise it's open and running so I think it will get even busier." The early passenger numbers suggest a strong start, and with continued promotion, the Camp Hill line could become a vital link for the city.
