Passengers will get to try out a new revolutionary railway system in a UK city in weeks. During a four-week test, members of the public and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to experience the £189million Very Light Railway (VLR) scheme in Coventry and provide feedback. This will be between its Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road stops. The project has been hailed by officials as game changing for the city, and “just the beginning” of plans to improve its public transport.
The system consists of a new kind of vehicle and track that aims to provide a “reliable, frequent, environmentally friendly, hop-on hop-off” network in Coventry and other cities and towns at a lower cost than conventional light rail, yet still providing the same benefits. The West Midlands city will soon join places like its neighbours Birmingham and Wolverhampton, Nottingham and Manchester that already have their own tram system.
But bosses have emphasised that this one will be different. The vehicles are battery-powered, which eliminates the need for overhead wires.
Moreover, an innovative turning system allows them to handle 15-metre radius curves, meaning they can be installed in tight corners in the existing highway.
Coventry City Council has said it intends to operate the VLR at a high frequency to provide a turn-up and go service.
The vehicles have a capacity of 56, are “comfortable” and have low floors to “enable passengers to embark and disembark easily”.
Bosses also point out that they could be operated autonomously in future.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and West Midlands Combined Authority chair, said: “Very light rail is a revolutionary technology being developed and delivered here in our region – so it’s right that the operator for this first test track should be a West Midlands company.
“The speed at which we can move from starting work to running a tram through Coventry city centre shows the world how fast and efficiently a tram system can be installed. CVLR will play a huge role in delivering on my vision to connect more communities with affordable and accessible public transport.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration, and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said: “This is a significant step in our ongoing testing of Very Light Rail, and it’s fantastic that we’re working with RailAdventureUK to demonstrate this innovative model and prove the benefits it will bring to Coventry.
“Very Light Rail is just the beginning of our plans to revolutionise transport in our city, tackle climate change, improve air quality, and provide a reliable and accessible travel option.
“We will be running Very Light Rail for four weeks, and residents will have the opportunity to experience this one-of-a-kind vehicle and track system and provide feedback on the experience.
“I look forward to travelling in our vehicle on our track and encourage all residents to sign up when available. Details of how to apply will be made available on the council website soon.”
