Coventry Very Light Rail secures funding to move to on street demonstration

Development of Coventry’s planned Very Light Rail (CVLR) system is to move to on street testing following approval of funding by regional transport bosses.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board has agreed the first instalment of an expected £72 million investment in the emerging VLR technology – designed to be both faster and cheaper to build than traditional tram and rail systems.

With enabling construction works already underway in Coventry and Dudley, the West Midlands is at the forefront of VLR and well placed to become a global leader in both design and manufacture.

Using light weight, battery-powered electric vehicles the Coventry VLR system operates without overhead cables and its innovative track is designed to require less extensive foundation works, making installation quicker and less expensive.

Much of the new investment will be used to build a real-world demonstration track in Coventry city centre and to develop the business case for a fully operational system.

There will also be further investment in the newly opened Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) in Dudley, enabling the purchase of equipment so that the centre can become fully operational.

The funding will also be used to explore the business cases for further VLR lines and links with the existing West Midlands Metro network.

A total of £72 million has been earmarked for the project from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. The first £36.8 million just agreed by WMCA is enough to get the projects well underway, will now go to the Department for Transport for final sign off.

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 – from the workshop to real-world demonstration.

“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 – 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.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council's cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said, “This is a milestone investment in Coventry Very Light Rail, a project set to create a new, clean and green form of transport and transform the way people in our city get around.”