West Midlands Sprint Bus Project Moves Forward with £30 Million Electric Fleet Investment
The long-awaited Sprint bus scheme in the West Midlands is poised to take a significant step forward as plans to purchase 24 new electric buses are set for approval. More than £30 million in funding is being allocated to finally bring this transformative transport project into operation.
Funding Approval and Project Details
The West Midlands Combined Authority's Investment Board will meet on Monday, February 23, to consider approving the full business case for acquiring vehicles for the Sprint project. A total of £26 million is earmarked for purchasing the tram-like electric buses and necessary charging infrastructure, with an additional £5.5 million allocated for ticketing equipment.
This investment marks a crucial milestone for a scheme first announced in 2018, originally expected to be completed in time for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The project has faced multiple delays, including challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic and significant cost increases.
Enhanced Transport Connectivity
The Sprint scheme aims to create a faster and more efficient bus service connecting Walsall, Birmingham, and Solihull via a continuous bus priority route along the A34 and A45 corridors. Transport for West Midlands has emphasized that passengers will benefit from seamless integration between bus, metro, and rail services along this route.
The new electric buses will feature multiple doors for easier and faster boarding similar to tram systems, improved accessibility with dedicated space for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and an overall enhanced passenger experience. These vehicles will operate in dedicated Sprint lanes with priority at junctions to minimize travel times.
Infrastructure Progress and Strategic Vision
To date, approximately £158 million has been spent or committed to developing comprehensive bus priority measures and high-quality bus stop infrastructure along the Sprint corridor, including carriageway resurfacing and extended bus priority lanes. The addition of the articulated electric bus fleet represents the final component needed to realize the project's strategic vision.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker commented: "These modern, tram-style buses will make the most of our dedicated Sprint lanes and priority junctions. It won't be just a new service, it will be the region's first continuous cross-city route in decades, cutting journey times between Walsall, Birmingham, and Solihull."
He added: "By taking back control of the bus network, we are finally able to make the investment needed to provide the convenient, rapid and affordable services our residents deserve."
The Investment Board report states that the fleet will "enhance the passenger experience as well as allow for more accessible and efficient boarding and alighting with multiple doors," underscoring the project's commitment to improving public transport across the region.
