Decision details

The board considered a report seeking approval of a change request to reprofile the WMCA’s allocation for Very Light Rail.

The Very Light Rail - Transforming Connectivity in the West Midlands programme was promoted by Coventry City Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Transport for West Midlands and was focussed on the delivery of Very Light Rail technology within the region. The WMCA’s financial contribution to this programme was first agreed in 2017, but this change request was required to support research and development workstreams and to maintain the momentum within the programme of works.

Councillor Mike Bird suggested it would be useful if the board was to receive a briefing that set out the key components of Very Light Rail and where it might be considered advantageous over developing a new metro line. The Chair agreed with this and requested a presentation to a future meeting.

Resolved:

(1)       The change request to re-profile the WMCA’s allocation to the Very Light Rail programme, as detailed within the report, be approved.

(2)       It be agreed that a presentation be provided at a future meeting of the board on the principles of Very Light Rail and the advantages of this mode of transport.