London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway
The Big Rail Diversity Challenge
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway operate rail services across the Midlands, the Northwest and London, with Birmingham at the heart of our network. West Midlands Railway provides most of the local services across the region, offering direct connections to towns and cities including Redditch, Stratford upon Avon, Worcester, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Telford and Northampton. Our London Northwestern Railway brand serves the route between London and Liverpool via key locations such as Crewe, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Northampton. On 1st February 2026, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway entered public ownership, and both services are now part of WM Trains Limited operated by DFTO. Our mission remains unchanged: to provide a safe, comfortable and reliable service for passengers across 235 miles of track and 150 stations, from London to Liverpool and Hereford to Lichfield.
"London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway are proud to support The Big Rail Diversity Challenge and Women in Rail as part of our continued commitment to building a more inclusive, representative and high‑performing railway.
The rail industry thrives when it reflects the communities it serves. Initiatives such as The Big Rail Diversity Challenge help us challenge perceptions, encourage collaboration and demonstrate the value of diverse perspectives across teams. By taking part, our colleagues show how inclusion strengthens problem‑solving, innovation and customer service while fostering understanding and allyship across roles and backgrounds.
Our support for Women in Rail reinforces our determination to improve gender balance across all levels of the business. Through visibility, advocacy and practical action, Women in Rail plays a vital role in inspiring future talent, supporting career progression and creating workplaces where everyone can succeed.
Together, these initiatives align with our values and long‑term people strategy. By actively supporting them, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway are helping to shape a modern railway where diversity is celebrated, opportunity is accessible, and everyone feels they belong."
