West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says a massive £1.05 billion grant to transform road, bus, rail, tram, cycling and walking infrastructure across to the West Midlands includes millions to deliver a new bus corridor serving Solihull.
Mr Street, who grew up in Solihull, said the money, topped up with local funding, will deliver £1.3 billion investment over the next five years for the region.
He said: “Since I became Mayor, spending on transport in our region has increased seven-fold – but this is the largest ever single investment in our network and will deliver a wide range of projects across our region including bus priority routes, new railway stations, cycle routes and facilities electric vehicle charging.
“One of the first projects to get underway will be delivering phase two of the Sprint bus priority corridor with more bus lanes and junction upgrades along the full route between Solihull and Walsall, with £56 million allocated to the project.
“This kind of investment is really important, as a modern and efficient transport network not only connects people to jobs and opportunities, it also provides a real alternative to the car, as we try to hit our climate change goals.”
Among other projects is a £24 million plan to identify sites for, plan and deliver a network of 10 electric vehicle charging stations across the West Midlands.
The Government grant includes funding for the development of new bus lanes and priority routes. Around £254 million will go directly towards schemes which enable active travel, boosting projects which directly encourage and promote cycling and walking.