Discussions open over £3.2m grant for Coventry Light Rail project
The scheme will bring trams to the city at a more affordable cost
Last updated 6th Oct 2021
The Coventry Very Light Rail (VLR) project is set to receive a grant of £3.2 million, after plans for the new affordable tram system were announced last week.
The City Council will open discussions over the multi-million pound grant, which would secure investment while the project waits for potential Government funding.
Coventry Council hopes the further investment will bring the proposals for the new tram system a step closer to reality.
What will the Very Light Rail trams look like?
Traditional light rail plans usually cost around £25 million per kilometre, and up to £100 million per kilometre in some city centres.
Coventry's Very Light Rail scheme aims to implement the new tram system at a fraction of the cost, while the build will provide passengers with a better public transport alternative.
The trams will also help improve air quality and reduce congestion in the city.
The project has already secured £16.42 million from the West Midlands Combined Authority Devolution Deal (£12.2 million), Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership LEP Growth Fund (£2.46 million) and the Getting Building Fund (£1.8 million).