West Midlands Combined Authority and partners hosted a celebration event on Thursday 3rd October 2024 at University station.
The day celebrated the recently developed station alongside the local community, local train operators, the Queen Elizabeth hospital, British Transport Police, and University of Birmingham.
One of the busiest stations in the region and now award-winning, the newly developed space now has new wider entrances, stairways and exits serving the neighbouring University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, there is more open space to move around and wait for trains, there’s lifts to the platforms, a larger ticket office and better customer facilities.
The event gave the local community opportunity to meet the transport industry. CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, and Network Rail attended with stalls giving out freebies and answering questions. Many international students asked questions about rail services and were unaware of the fact that CrossCountry run through most of the UK. There were also questions about train fares, rail cards and delay repay.
A tea and coffee stand encouraged people to strike up conversation. It was great to see students eager to learn and to get more understanding of railway safety.
Samaritans also had a stall, promoting their national helpline for people who need someone to listen to them. They gave out support and advice which is very important amongst young adults who sometimes need a place of trust especially during stressful exam times.
The Canal and Rivers Trust took the opportunity to try to recruit volunteers to help them restore and tidy up Birmingham’s canal network.