COVENTRY’S Very Light Rail (VLR) transport system will be showcased on the city’s streets as part of a real-world testing programme.
Last week, West Midlands Combined Authority agreed to the first installment of an expected £72million investment in the VLR technology, which will be designed to be faster and cheaper to build than traditional tram and rail systems.
This development will allow specialist on-site testing for other VLR systems to be conducted.
The Coventry VLR system will use lightweight, battery-powered electric vehicles, meaning it can operate without overhead cables.
Its innovative track will be quicker and less expensive to install as it will require less extensive foundation works, and this model will also be more environmentally friendly.
Much of the new cash will be spent building a real-world demonstration track in Coventry City Centre, as well as developing the business case for a fully operational system.
There will also be further investment in the newly opened Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley.
Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, Coun Jim O’Boyle, said: “This is a milestone investment in Coventry Very Light Rail, a project set to transform the way people in our city – and others throughout the UK and even the world – get around.
“By creating a new, clean and green form of transport, this investment is securing jobs in Coventry and, as in other cities which have installed light rail, will support regeneration in local areas.”
