The latest West Midlands Metro Combined Authority’s (WMCA) budget for 2022/23 has been approved with £379 million of the total £879.2 million due to be spent on transport – including West Midlands Metro extensions.
The approved capital budget going towards transport aims to improve connectivity, drive economic growth and cut carbon emissions by making it both easier and more attractive for people to switch to public transport. Highlights of the package for the Metro include:
- The on-going construction of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill and Birmingham Eastside Metro tram extensions
- A new bus and Metro interchange station in Dudley Town Centre
There is also a £143 million Transport Revenue budget which includes £59 million for concessionary travel for older people, the blind, disabled and children.
The budget was approved by the WMCA Board on Friday 11th February and also includes funding for infrastructure, land regeneration and job training schemes to help the region’s post-Covid economic recovery.