The majority of local rail services in the West Midlands are operated by London Midland (part of Govia).

London Midland took over the rail franchise from Central Trains in November 2007 and particularly welcome are the planned improvements to passenger facilities at stations, smartcard ticketing, passenger security and 64 new diesel and electric trains.

The Govia London Midland rail branding is fully integrated with the new Network West Midlands branding that has been rolled out by Centro across the Metropolitan area.

Virgin Trains, Cross Country Trains, Chiltern Railways, Arriva Trains Wales, Wrexham and Shropshire and Marylebone Railway also serve the Network West Midlands area.

Network Rail, on behalf of the DfT, has delivered a new January 2009 West Coast timetable, coinciding with the completion of the next phase of infrastructure enhancements.

The timetable delivers some significant benefits for the West Midlands, including a 20-munute frequency service between Birmingham New Street and London Euston.

The timetable has also delivered changes for local passengers and Centro has specified frequency improvements on the Walsall Line, Cross City Line and Stratford Line. Marston Green and Tile Hill have also had their services improved.