Underground city rail would be a real boon

THE city of Bristol, like Birmingham, is built on a series of hills and valleys. Their cash-strapped council has, however, found funds to employ consultants to see whether it is financially feasible to construct an underground rail system similar to London.

This sent my mind working on the possibility of Birmingham having its own underground system which would be very “green” and move people more rapidly as traffic jams get longer every year.

Such a scheme might well be financially viable, especially when added to some overground freight routes that West Midland’s mayor Andy Street wishes to see reused again for passengers.

However, due to huge housing estates developed over 60 years, other additional routes would have to be constructed.

In yesteryear, there was a very busy line from New Street to Harborne, closed to passengers long before Beeching. However, a tube underneath, and extended out to Bartley Green and Frankley, with another going to Quinton and Halesowen, would take a lot of cars and buses off the road.

Mr Street is already advocating a passenger service for both the Moseley loop, and a Beeching casualty, the Walsall-Sutton Park line, all relatively low cost over ground services.

If to these were added Tube services to Bearwood, Blackheath and Brierley Hill, part of which could possibly be over ground, then again, vast numbers of people could be conveyed swiftly about the city. The reinstatement of the Longbridge, Frankley, and Halesowen branch would also bring link connectivity, with the loop being continued around to Dudley, Tipton and Coseley.

Although costs could be high, at least it would be cutting pollution and reduce journey times for travellers. If Government can find money for its vanity project, HS2, then it should in all honesty invest in money to improve the lot of ordinary people wishing to travel from home to work and recreation as quickly and cheaply as possible.

It just needs a little foresight and nerve.

Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm

AE Harris