Tuesday, January 28, 2025 In a remarkable achievement, over three million passengers have passed through the redeveloped University Station in Birmingham during its first year of operation. West Midlands Railway (WMR) confirmed the milestone as the station continues to serve as a key transport hub for the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. After a multi-million-pound redevelopment, the enhanced station officially reopened on January 28, 2024.
The ambitious three-year construction project modernized the facility while keeping it operational throughout, creating a more spacious and efficient station designed to accommodate over seven million passengers annually. New features include two expansive pavilions and improved bridges that provide seamless access to the university and hospital. The new-look station has earned widespread acclaim, winning Best Medium-Sized Station at the 2024 National Rail Awards.
Beyond its functional upgrades, the station celebrates Birmingham’s vibrant culture through art installations. Highlights include “Dear Brum” , a poem by former Birmingham poet laureate Casey Bailey, and “Passing Through” , a watercolour by local artist Sarah Taylor Silverwood. University Station is now home to WMR’s advanced Class 730 electric trains, introduced as part of a £1 billion investment in new trains and infrastructure.
Replacing an older fleet, these cutting-edge trains offer improved capacity, smart air conditioning, and individual .