Coventry Approves Demonstrator Line for Coventry Very Light Rail Network

Coventry City Council has approved the next phase of its Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) project, with a new 800-metre demonstrator line set to run from Coventry Railway Station to the Technology Park.

The line will also include a new service area and charging station at Coventry University’s Mile Lane site.

The demonstrator is designed to showcase the benefits of CVLR technology, which enables tram routes to be built quickly and cost-effectively. The shallow tracks mean most existing underground infrastructure, such as pipes and cables, can remain undisturbed, while the electric trams are capable of navigating sharper turns than traditional trams, reducing the need for major city layout changes or land acquisition.

The non-invasive construction also means the routes do not require planning consent, significantly speeding up project delivery. Should the demonstrator prove successful, the line would remain as part of the permanent CVLR network and be extended further across the city.

The route has been made possible thanks to an agreement with Coventry University, allowing the council to use university land, while the Technology Park will also host the CVLR delivery headquarters.

Brendan O’Reilly, Sustainable Transport Manager at Coventry University, said:

“CVLR is a first-of-its-kind transport system that offers huge benefits, not just for Coventry but for other cities across the globe of a similar size who may find a traditional tram system too costly or problematic.We have collaborated closely with the city council, and it is fantastic that Coventry University’s Technology Park will be the first stop on the demonstrator line. With our focus on sustainability, offering transport from the railway station to the Technology Park will help encourage people to leave their cars at home.”

CVLR technology is owned by Coventry City Council, meaning that if other cities adopt it, Coventry will have pioneered a globally exportable transport solution.

This is not the first time residents have seen CVLR in action: a short demonstrator line was temporarily installed in the city centre last year. However, the new 800-metre line is longer and designed to operate alongside live traffic, making it a critical step for testing real-world performance.

Council members aim to have the demonstrator operational by October 2027, coinciding with the ITS World Congress at the NEC, allowing international delegates to experience the system firsthand and potentially boosting interest from cities worldwide.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said:

“By approving this next and longer demonstrator route for Coventry Very Light Rail, we have taken a decisive step toward transforming how people move around our city. This is a bold investment in cleaner, smarter and more sustainable transport, and it shows our commitment to delivering real change for residents and businesses.”

The CVLR project represents a landmark step for urban mobility in Coventry, combining innovation, sustainability, and cost-effective transport solutions to create a blueprint that could influence city transport systems globally.