Telford & Wrekin Council considers plans for new light railway
A feasibility study will look at whether battery-powered trains could connect parts of the borough with Telford Central
Last updated 6th Aug 2026
Mini trains could be running on reopened lines in Telford if a feasibility study proves that they could work.
Telford & Wrekin Council has allocated around £0.15 million to examine the option of having a Very Light Railway system with new stops to connect parts of the borough with the central station.
“This early-stage feasibility study project presents an exciting opportunity to design a potential new rail link between the Shrewsbury–Wolverhampton rail line and the Ironbridge line, to allow Very Light Rail services to reach Telford Central railway station,” officials state.
A scheme could be delivered after 2030 if the details all add up.
In an answer to Telford MP Shaun Davies in May 2025, transport minister Simon Lightwood said that the proposed scheme aims to use lightweight, battery powered Revolution Very Light Rail trains to reopen four miles of disused heavy railway line.
Transport chiefs at the council say that Very Light Rail is a lightweight, more cost-effective and environmentally friendly type of rail system compared to traditional heavy rail.
“If delivered, the new link could improve connectivity, enhance accessibility, support a more attractive public transport experience and reduce car dependency,” officials add.
Ironbridge based Revolution VLR currently holds a lease agreement with Network Rail to operate services.
Council officials say that further work is required to identify and develop suitable station locations along the route.
But they add: “We will be supportive of this scheme, working alongside partners and providing support throughout the planning process.”
The council has set out its transport priorities for spending multi-million sums over the next 15 years.
The biggest chunk of the spending pie – 42 per cent – will be taken up by the borough’s roads, footways, cycle routes, bridges, drainage, and other transport infrastructure.
But it also sets out what the council wants to happen with railway stations, bus services, fares, and routes for walkers and cyclists.
The government provides councils with multi million pounds in a Local Transport Grant but the borough also has other potential sources of funding – including developer contributions and grants.
It has also earmarked £1.5 million for railway station improvements and says the main focus will be Wellington Station, where Network Rail will be adding a second bridge and new lifts to improve station accessibility.
The council is contributing to provide a direct link from the new bridge to Wellington Bus Station.
Another £2.2million is being lined up for a new ramp access at Telford Central, connecting Platform 2 to the Silver Swallow Bridge.
On the buses the council wants to increase service frequencies, aiming for an ideal of buses 10 minutes on core services during the day.
Currently only Arriva’s bus service 4 between Leegomery and Madeley hits that frequency of buses but the council wants to see four services hit this standard by 2030.
Evening and Sunday service frequencies will also be reviewed with the aspiration of introducing additional services to boost connectivity at all times of day, particularly for young people, vulnerable users and to areas of low car ownership.
Telford & Wrekin Council has launched a consultation exercise on its draft Transport Plan and has asked the public for their views. It will be the first revamp of the council’s transport plan in 15 years.
The new transport plan will replace the current one which was adopted in 2011.
Councillor Ollie Vickers (Labour, Donnington), the cabinet member for jobs, transport and digital connectivity, said asked for people to spend a few minutes looking at the plan and giving their views.
“We have set out what we believe the borough will need over the next 15 years, but we now want to hear from the people who use our roads, buses, trains, walking routes and cycleways every day.
“We want people to tell us what works well, where they face difficulties and what would improve their journeys.
“Those experiences will help us make sure the final plan reflects what our communities need, both now and as we continue to grow.”
The consultation is open until Sunday 27 September 2026.