Major investment to showcase Coventry’s Very Light Rail on city streets
VLR is designed to be both faster and cheaper than traditional tram and rail systems.
Last updated 18th Jan 2023
The Very Light Rail transport system could be showcased on the streets of Coventry as early as next year, thanks to funding from regional transport bosses.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board approved the first instalment of £72 million investment in the emerging VLR technology.
Much of the funding will be used to build a real-world demonstration track in Coventry city centre, to develop the business case for a fully operational system.
The track is said to go from the city centre to University Hospital.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: "This funding will allow us to take Very Light Rail to the next level and shows the WMCA Board’s 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."
He added: "Coventry has helped pioneer VLR and will therefore – alongside our wider region – be well placed to take advantage of this growing industry and the new job opportunities it will bring in the months and years ahead."
Using lightweight, battery-powered electric vehicles, the Coventry VLR system will operate without overhead cables and its innovative track is designed to require less extensive foundation works.
Coventry City Councillor Jim O’Boyle said: "This is a milestone investment in Coventry Very Light Rail - a project set to transform the way people in our city 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."
He continued: "Coventry Very Light Rail is just one way that the council is working to improve air quality and combat climate change.
"We’ve installed more electric vehicle charge points than anywhere outside London; we’re set to become the UK’s 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."
With development already underway in Coventry and Dudley, the West Midlands is said to be at the forefront of VLR and well placed to become a global leader in design and manufacture.