New �11m public transport project

It would improve public transport to Birmingham International Airport

An �11m scheme to improve public transport in part of the West Midlands has been announced by the government.

It has been designed to improve public transport between Solihull, Birmingham International Airport and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

Transport minister Paul Clark, who announced the scheme, said it would mean "more regular services".

A new interchange improving links between trains and buses at Birmingham International station was planned.

'Significant congestion'

There would be new bus lanes, easier access kerbs for disabled passengers and "real time information boards" where screens would show when a bus was due.

New bus shelters to provide better waiting areas for passengers in bad weather have also been proposed.

All vehicles would be able to use bus lanes on a temporary basis when major events at the NEC are causing "significant congestion" on local roads.

Mr Clark said: "Better facilities encourage people to use public transport rather than their cars.

"This in turn can reduce congestion on local roads and cut harmful CO2 emissions.

"I urge as many people as possible to take advantage of these new transport links."

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