Government cash will fund green transport revolution
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says Solihull people can look forward to a transport revolution after major Government funding is announced in the coming weeks.
Mr Street leads the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which has approved bids to the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund and Bus Service Improvement Plan fund.
Now, with the Government set to invest more than £1billion in the region, local transport chiefs are working with the Department for Transport on how it will be spent.
Mr Street, who grew up in Solihull, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our ambition has paid off and we’ve secured more than £1billion of Government investment to continue our transport revolution here in the West Midlands.
“It is the largest single transport sum we have ever received, and I know the team cannot wait to press on and start getting diggers in the ground on some truly game-changing schemes.
“From more Metro lines and train stations, to new bus routes and EV charging points, this cash will help us to continue to build a clean, green transport network that connects communities and tackles the climate emergency.
“In Solihull we are looking at all kinds of improvements, from new cycle routes to sprint buses into the town centre, which are all part of our plans to drive a green transport revolution for the region.
Under the plans, moves towards a zero-carbon transport network would also be accelerated with the installation of 1,000 electric vehicle charging points, as well as ultra-fast charging facilities for electric heavy goods vehicles, vans and buses. A raft of new safe cycling routes would also be developed to encourage people to be more active on their commute.