The West Midlands Combined Authority have agreed to release the first instalment of what could eventually amount to \u00a372 million worth of funding towards the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) system. Much of the funding will go towards building a real world demonstration track in Coventry City Centre and to help develop a business case for a fully operational system.<\/p>\n
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Very Light Rail technology is said to be faster and cheaper to build than traditional tram and light rail systems and it is hoped that its development will enable more towns and cities in the UK to enjoy the benefits that such a system would bring. The West Midlands have been at the forefront of these development with Warwick University having teamed up with Coventry City Council. Meanwhile, the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre has been built and opened in Dudley \u2013 where testing of VLR vehicles is underway.<\/p>\n
Plans for the Coventry system would see lightweight, battery powered electric vehicles running without overhead wires and with innovative track in use this should require less extensive foundation works, making installation both quicker and less expensive. It would still, however, deliver similar environmental benefits.<\/p>\n
The funding will also see more investment at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre with more equipment purchased to allow it to become fully operational. Business cases will also be explored which could see further Very Light Rail lines and potential links with the West Midlands Metro network.<\/p>\n
The West Midlands Combined Authority have agreed to release \u00a336.8 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. Before it can go to the projects though it must first be signed off by the Department for Transport.<\/p>\n
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: \u201cThis funding will allow us to take Very Light Rail to the next level \u2013 from the workshop to real-world demonstration \u2013 and shows the WMCA Board\u2019s unequivocal backing for innovation in Coventry. This technology has the potential to deliver tram systems at pace and at much lower cost – giving more people access to a modern rapid transit system as well as cleaner air and less congestion along with it. Coventry has helped pioneer VLR and will therefore \u2013 alongside our wider region \u2013 be well placed to take advantage of this growing industry and the new job opportunities it will bring in the months and years ahead. That\u2019s why the WMCA is so pleased to support our partners on this exciting project.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cllr Jim O\u2019Boyle, Coventry City Council\u2019s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, added: \u201cThis is a milestone investment in Coventry Very Light Rail, a project set to transform the way people in our city – and others throughout the UK and even the world – get around. By creating a new, clean and green form of transport, this investment is securing jobs in Coventry and, as in other cities which have installed light rail, will support regeneration in local areas. Of course, Coventry Very Light Rail is just one way that the council is working to improve air quality and combat climate change. We\u2019ve installed more electric vehicle charge points than anywhere outside London, we\u2019re set to become the UK\u2019s first all-electric bus city by 2025, we have ambitions for a gigafactory and have committed to planting a tree for every person living in Coventry by 2032.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The West Midlands Combined Authority have agreed to release the first instalment of what could eventually amount to \u00a372 million worth of funding towards the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) system. Much of the funding will go towards building a … Continue reading