Business and political leaders are backing calls to reinstate direct train services between Nottingham, Leicester, and Coventry, arguing it could generate £400 million for the region and create 3,000 jobs.
Midlands Connect, the transport body leading the initiative, hosted a conference on 28 February at Coventry Transport Museum to present the business case. The proposal highlights how restoring the service, which was removed in the early 2000s, could benefit regional businesses by improving connectivity, talent attraction, and supply chains.
The East Midlands Chamber has prioritised the project in its Manifesto for Growth, emphasising that poor rail links between the three cities hinder economic potential. Midlands Connect submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case to the Department for Transport in 2021 and continues pushing for government support.
