Coventry to pioneer Very Light Rail with £72 million boost

A Very Light Rail (VLR) transport system is to be showcased in the UK city of Coventry as part of a real-world testing programme.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board has agreed the first instalment of an expected £72 million (US$89 million) investment in the emerging VLR technology – designed to be both faster and cheaper to build than traditional tram and rail systems.

“This is a milestone investment in Coventry VLR, a project set to transform the way people in our city – and others throughout the UK and even the world – get around,” said Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change.

“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.

Quicker, faster

Using lightweight, battery-powered electric vehicles, the Coventry VLR system operates without overhead cables and is designed to require less extensive foundation works, making installation quicker and less expensive while delivering similar environmental benefits.

Much of the new investment will be used to build a real-world demonstration track in Coventry city centre and to develop the business case for a fully operational system.

There will also be further investment in the newly opened Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) in Dudley, enabling the purchase of equipment so that the centre can become fully operational.

The funding will also be used to explore the business cases for further VLR lines and links with the existing West Midlands Metro network.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “This funding will allow us to take VLR to the next level – from the workshop to real-world demonstration – and shows the WMCA Board’s unequivocal backing for innovation in Coventry.

“This technology has the potential to deliver tram systems at pace and at much lower cost – giving more people access to a modern rapid transit system as well as cleaner air and less congestion along with it.”

Climate action

Funding will be delivered through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement announced last year.

“Of course, Coventry VLR is just one way that the council is working to improve air quality and combat climate change,” said O’Boyle.

“We’ve installed more electric vehicle charge points than anywhere outside London, we’re set to become the UK’s first all-electric bus city by 2025, we have ambitions for a gigafactory and have committed to planting a tree for every person living in Coventry by 2032.”

Image WMCA