Midlands Connect has launched a business survey urging local businesses to have their say on the creation of a direct rail link between Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham.
The survey builds on the Building Back Greener report released last year, which outlined the strong case for reconnecting three major cities and economic hubs in the Midlands, by rail.
The report highlighted that passengers travelling from Coventry to either Leicester or Nottingham currently had to change trains at Nuneaton, which led to longer journey times, and increased chances of frustrating delays. Currently only 3% of journeys from Coventry to Leicester are made by rail, compared to 30% from Coventry to Birmingham. It is hoped that if there were a direct line in place, many more people would choose rail over road, and it would be a huge leap forward towards the government’s net zero targets.
Midlands Connect is calling on local businesses in across the Midlands to take a few minutes before Friday 11 November to complete the survey, which you can find here, which will be used to support the business case for further investment on the route. It is estimated that the new rail line would bring social, environmental, and economic benefits worth £179 million to the region – a real value add to local businesses.
Midlands Connect’s CEO Maria Machancoses said: “Today we are calling on businesses and employers in Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham, and Nuneaton to make their voices heard in our consultation.
“Increased connectivity between these cities could bring more jobs and opportunities to the region. The information local companies will give us could really help build our case for this new rail line.”
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