Delayed plan for 'tram-like buses' moves forward

The latest plan to introduce a tram-like electric bus service, linking Walsall, Birmingham and Solihull, has been signed off.

The route was first proposed in 2018, with hopes it could be launched before Birmingham hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022. But delays were caused by the Covid pandemic and rising costs.

Work on building infrastructure such as new bus stops, extending bus priority lanes and signalling have already been carried out. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said it would be the region's first continuous cross-city route in decades.

The business case for buying 24 Sprint buses was approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Investment Board on Tuesday.

Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said: "It is the link to Solihull and of course that also links into the airport which is one of our major assets in the West Midlands – I think we don't promote that enough."

Once completed, Transport for West Midlands said passengers would be be able to easily switch between bus, metro and rail services along the route.

It also claimed the new vehicles would have easier and faster boarding similar to trams, be accessible with plenty of space for wheelchairs or pushchairs, and provide an all-round better passenger experience.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: "These modern, tram-style buses will make the most of our dedicated Sprint lanes and priority junctions.

"It won't be just a new service, it will be the region's first continuous cross-city route in decades, cutting journey times between Walsall, Birmingham, and Solihull."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.