'Big improvements' to West Midlands transport system promised in wake of £2.4 billion boost

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker "big improvements" to transport systems across the whole region as a result of a £2.4 billion war chest.

The funding was confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Birmingham on Wednesday along with the first project to benefit from the funding – an extension of the tram network from Digbeth to Birmingham City FC's new £3 billion Sports Quarter in Bordesley.

Blues' proposals include a new 60,000-seater stadium at the former Wheels site, sports campus of training facilities, a new academy, community pitches as well as leisure, commercial and residential development.

Mr Parker said every part of the region will benefit from the five-year funding package which will deliver dozens of rail, bus, tram, road, cycling and walking projects.

The Mayor said he would now work with the region’s seven metropolitan councils to set out the priority transport projects in their areas.

He said: "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.

"Millions of people rely on our transport network everyday and now, we are going to make sure it works for everyone.

"The East Birmingham to Solihull Metro extension is a priority, unlocking billions in investment with thousands of new jobs and homes.

"But the transport funding the Chancellor has announced will go so much further and will bring big improvements across our region’s bus, road, rail and cycling networks."

The transport investment will also unlock new sites for housing and business development and make it easier for people to get the jobs and training opportunities they need.

Projects already being earmarked for consideration include investment in electric buses and depots as part of the Mayor’s flagship policy of taking back control of the region’s bus network and increased funding to councils for road and pothole repairs.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), will work with local councils to draw up the full CRSTS investment programme over the next two years.

All projects are subject to business cases and approval by the WMCA Board, chaired by the Mayor, and, for larger projects, the Department for Transport. Projects will be delivered between 2027 and 2032.