We recently brought the news that construction work is now underway on track in Coventry City Centre for a demonstration line for the Very Light Rail project. Aimed to start running this summer, having the track is one thing but what is going to be operating on it we hear you ask? This article seeks to show that as the demonstrator vehicle has recently been testing at Dudley’s Very Light Rail Innovation Centre.
Although there have been delays and uncertainty over the main Coventry Very Light Rail project (we may be set to see a demonstration line this summer but the government have rejected funding bids for the hoped for network), one thing which has been ready for some time is the vehicle. Developed in partnership with WMG at the University of Warwick and Transport Design International it features batteries and has an “innovative turning mechanism” which allows it to turn 15 metre radius curves.
The whole concept of Very Light Rail is that it will keep costs down with no overhead needing to be installed and as we’ve mentioned before a revolutionary track system which is thinner than traditional track and can be laid just 30cm deep into the road surface.
The small – capacity for 56 passengers, including 20 seated – VLR vehicle is seen on test at Dudley here.
Another view of the vehicle under test.
Former Midland Metro T69 16 also remains stored outside at the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre with it being used as the test bed for various projects. On this day it got to meet up with the VLR vehicle. (All Photographs by Andy Walters, 19th March 2025)