The re-linking of Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham by train would deliver over 4 million extra seats a year for businesses, residents and commuters.
Currently, just 3% of trips between Coventry and Leicester are made by train; compared to 30% of journeys made between Coventry and Birmingham. This is because passengers travelling between Coventry and Leicester by train have to change at Nuneaton, resulting in a slow and inconvenient journey.
Average speeds for trains between Coventry and Leicester currently fall under 30mph, compared to average speeds of over 100mph for trains from Coventry to London.
Midlands Connect’s plans would reinstate direct rail services between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham for the first time in two decades and slash journey times. The scheme would deliver a 43% reduction for Coventry to Leicester (56 minutes down to 32 minutes) and 44% reduction for Coventry to Nottingham (117 minutes down to 65 minutes).
As well as helping cut journey times for passengers, the scheme provides major benefits to the railfreight industry, allowing more freight to be transferred onto the railways, most of which currently has to go by road because there isn’t space for it on the railway.
The planned doubling of the Coventry to Nuneaton service stopping at Coventry Arena, Bedworth and Bermuda Park would create nearly 1.5 million extra seats per year. The other part of the scheme, the direct Coventry to Leicester and then onto Nottingham train, stopping at Hinckley and Loughborough, would see a boost of 3 million extra seats a year.
Midlands Connect’s Strategic Outline Business Case was submitted to the Department for Transport in Spring 2025 and should this be successful, the next stage will be the submission of an Outline Business Case.
Andrew Clark, head of rail at Midlands Connect, said: “Passengers travelling between Coventry and Leicester by train currently have to change at Nuneaton, resulting in a slow and inconvenient journey. Delivering over four million extra seats and a direct service is something that will fill in one the last pieces of the rail puzzle in the Midlands.
“The lack of direct rail services between Coventry and Leicester/Nottingham is a major gap in our region’s transport network.”
Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor said: “The business case for funding to reconnect Leicester and Coventry by rail, and onto Nottingham, removing the need to change train in Nuneaton, is overwhelming.
“Coventry and Leicester are located just 25 miles apart, yet only 3% of journeys between them are taken by rail. By investing in these proposals, we can bring people, businesses, and universities, across the three cities closer together, reducing congestion and cutting down carbon emissions.
“A direct service could be transformational for Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham, providing job opportunities, promoting collaboration between our universities, attracting investment, and ultimately, driving forwards economic growth across the Midlands.
“I strongly encourage Government to back this proposal.”
Mayor of the East Midlands, Clare Ward said: “Reinstating direct rail services between Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham is a game-changer for our region. This vital link will not only help with journey times but also bring our communities closer together, boosting opportunities for residents, businesses, and commuters across the Midlands.
“For Nottingham, it means greater connectivity and easier access to jobs and services. We’re proud to be at the heart of this transformational project that will help build a connected Midlands for everyone.”
