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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street Says Coventry Will Benefit From Huge Transport Investment

West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, says a massive £1.05 billion grant to transform road, bus, rail, tram, cycling and walking across the West Midlands will bring more major investment in Coventry.

Mr Street, who leads the West Midlands Combined Authority, said the money, topped up with local funding, will deliver £1.3 billion investment over the next five years for the region.

He said, “Since I became Mayor, spending on transport in our region has increased seven-fold – but this is the largest ever single investment in our network and will deliver a wide range of projects across our region including bus priority routes, new railway stations, cycle routes and facilities for electric vehicle charging.

“We have so many exciting plans for Coventry, including a Very Light Rail system – and the city is set to become the first in the UK to have an entirely electric bus fleet.

“This kind of investment is really important, as a modern and efficient transport network not only connects people to jobs and opportunities, but it also provides a real alternative to the car, as we try to hit our climate change goals.”

Among other projects is a £24 million plan to identify sites for, plan and deliver a network of 10 electric vehicle charging stations across the West Midlands.

The Government grant includes funding for the development of new bus lanes and priority routes. Around £254 million will go directly towards schemes which enable active travel, boosting projects which directly encourage and promote cycling and walking.