Plans to open a new railway station in the Black Country have moved a step closer after transport chiefs revealed that a feasibility study confirmed the proposals were viable.
Transport for West Midlands is aiming to build a new station and 150-space car park to serve Aldridge as part of the current Wolverhampton to Walsall line which is also set to include new stations at Darlaston and Willenhall.
The previous station in Aldridge was closed in 1965 and has since been demolished.
It is hoped that two trains an hour could run from Wolverhampton to Aldridge, via Birmingham New Street and Walsall, with an estimated 500,000 passengers using the service annually.
Transport for West Midlands conducted a survey earlier this year into the viability of the project and now the West Midlands Rail Executive has reported back and confirmed it is viable.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has ordered the executive to draw up a business case for a new station to secure the £10 million funding needed to take the project to the next stage.
Aldridge is one of several new stations planned across the region including Darlaston and Willenhall in the Black Country and Kings Heath, Moseley and Hazelwell on the Camp Hill line in south Birmingham.
Mr Street said: "I am absolutely delighted the feasibility study has come back positive on our plans for Aldridge station, meaning we can now press ahead with getting it built and open as soon as possible.
"The station is one of a number across the West Midlands that were closed as part of the Beeching cuts which I am determined to re-open.
"I am also exploring the prospect of having a new station at Tettenhall as well.
"New and re-opened stations not only provide better transport links but they also help to drive significant economic growth.
"I will continue to explore the option of re-opening more stations across the region."
Coun Ian Ward, Birmingham City Council leader and transport chief with the West Midlands Combined Authority, added: "Reopening Aldridge Station will not only put another town on the rail map of the West Midlands but will be a further step towards getting the Sutton Park line reopened to passengers - a move which will benefit many communities including Walmley and Castle Vale.
"This is all part of Transport for West Midlands multi-billion investment in public transport which will help us ease traffic congestion and improve the air we breathe."
