Having only played a starring role in Dudley a few days ago, the Very Light Rail Vehicle has been on the move again – this time on the road as its been transported to Coventry ahead of the test/demonstration runs starting later this month.
The movement of the tram to what is really its home – and the reason why it has been built – is a major milestone in the project and comes just a few days before the first passengers will be welcomed on board it to travel along a 220 metre demonstration line.
The first demonstration runs will get underway on Wednesday 28th May and there are then further runs planned Thursday 29th-Saturday 31st May, Sunday 1st, Wednesday 4th, Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th and Wednesday 18th June. Tickets were available to get on board these but if you didn’t manage to, don’t bother as they have all sold out (if you can sell something which is free that is!).
The test runs will take place on a 220-metre test track which runs along Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road. The track is the first time that the innovative modular track form has been embedded within a live urban corridor.
Very Light Rail is being developed – with Coventry City Council and Warwick University major partners in it – with the idea of saving costs in constructing rail based transport systems. The track doesn’t need as much work to install and infrastructure diversions have not been required.
After the short test period there is no definite future for the project, although Coventry City Council are keen to develop a full system for the city – but as always there is currently no funding available for that to happen.
The vehicle sits on the test track having arrived from Dudley.
Another look at the vehicle with crew on board. The writing in between the rails says “COVENTRY VLR”. (Both Photographs by John Savage, 23rd May 2025)