New system developed in West Midlands could ‘revolutionise’ public transport worldwide, says mayor

Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited Coventry to see Very Light Rail (VLR) – a project developed in the West Midlands – in operation as part of Better Transport Week.

A 220-metre city-centre demonstrator track, to assess the new tram system in a real-world setting, was laid in a few weeks and has been giving free rides for the past month.

VLR is a mass-transit system that can be built at less than half the cost and in half the time of conventional tram systems, while providing the same benefits.

The scheme is led by Coventry City Council and funded through the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

Partners in the development of the new technology include WMG at Warwick University and the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre at BCIMO in Dudley.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “This is a proud moment for the West Midlands, demonstrating our global leadership in transport innovation.

“This successful trial of our cutting-edge tram technology, designed and developed right here in the region, paves the way for the quick delivery of a network in Coventry and has the potential to revolutionise public transport for millions worldwide.”

Mr Lightwood said: “Coventry’s Very Light Rail project shows how innovative approaches to transport ideas can drive growth, create high-skilled jobs, and breathe new life into our towns and cities.

“Better Transport Week highlights how government backing is transforming transport, helping local economies thrive, supporting jobs, and connecting people to opportunity – all part of delivering our Plan for Change.”

Ben Plowden, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Good public transport networks help connect us to the people we love, the things we need and the places that matter.

“Tram and light rail networks are key to an accessible, affordable, integrated and green public transport network.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration, and climate change at Coventry City Council, said the new system had the potential to change how people move around small to medium sized cities.

He said: “The feedback from the public and technical representatives has been incredible.

“We aren’t just piloting technology; we are building confidence in a scalable model that puts climate, community, and cost-effectiveness at the heart of urban mobility.

“This system will create jobs for local people and this is just the beginning of our plans to put Very Light Rail at the heart of the growing green economy here in Coventry.”