‘Big improvements’ promised for West Midlands transport after £2.4 billion funding boost

The West Midlands is set to benefit from a new £2.4 billion funding injection as part of the government’s five-year plan to improve the region’s transport infrastructure.

A further £13.2 billion has been granted to other areas across the UK, including £1.8 billion for the North East.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the first scheme set to benefit from the funding in a visit to Birmingham on 4 June. This will be an extension of the tram network from Digbeth out to the planned Sports Quarter in Bordesley.

This is a huge investment in transport in our region – and it will make it easier and more affordable for everyone

Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor

The major investment forms part of the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), which aims to upgrade road, rail, tram, bus, cycling, and walking infrastructure.

Reacting to the announcement, Richard Parker, West Midlands Mayor, proclaimed: “This is a huge investment in transport in our region – and it will make it easier and more affordable for everyone, from Coventry to the Black Country, to get to work, school, college, hospital, or anywhere across the West Midlands.”

Parker heralded the investment as unlocking “a nationally significant infrastructure project that will transform East Birmingham and North Solihull into one of the UK’s key growth corridors”.

The Labour government also expects this investment to help “supercharge” economic growth and productivity in the West Midlands, with investment bosses hopeful the funding can unlock the region’s “huge potential” for private investment.

The Treasury made clear that future phases of the scheme are not definite, and will be dependent on future spending decisions

Additional benefits of the programme include the boosting of the housing sector, as well as commercial developments in the area which will further enable the government’s growth agenda.

Parker also looked towards potential future projects, highlighting the East Birmingham to Solihull Metro as a priority, in addition to developing the region’s electric bus network.

However, despite confirming this round of funding, the Treasury made clear that future phases of the scheme are not definite, and will be dependent on future spending decisions.