Birmingham City Council has agreed to sell land in Kitts Green, east Birmingham, to Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), bringing plans for a new electric vehicle bus depot a step closer. The proposed facility, to be built on former sewage works land off Lea Ford Road, would support a fleet of 110 fully electric buses and replace the current central Birmingham depot.
Details of the Proposed Depot
Transport for West Midlands has already submitted a planning application for the Electric Vehicle Bus Depot. The site, previously used as sewage works, is located off Lea Ford Road in Kitts Green. The new depot is designed to accommodate a fleet of 110 fully electric buses, marking a significant shift towards greener public transport in the region.
The council said the east Birmingham location would reduce mileage by approximately 650,000km annually. "This will result in fuel savings and reductions in overall carbon emissions in the area," it stated. The move is expected to bring environmental benefits to the surrounding community while supporting more sustainable transport options.
Part of a Wider Bus Network Overhaul
The depot is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority's wider plan to overhaul the bus network and transition to a franchise model. This approach aims to give local authorities greater control over bus services, including routes, frequencies, and fares.
Mayor Richard Parker recently secured a deal to bring National Express West Midlands' operations into public ownership. This acquisition is seen as a key step in the region's efforts to improve public transport and reduce emissions.
Reactions and Expected Benefits
Prime Minister Andy Burnham hailed the acquisition, saying: "Government and local leaders have joined forces to keep vital bus services running for millions of people across the West Midlands." His comments highlight the collaborative effort between national and regional authorities to secure the future of bus services.
The new facility promises greener buses, more frequent services and faster, more reliable routes for passengers across the region. With the land sale agreed and a planning application submitted, the project is progressing towards construction, which is expected to deliver significant improvements to the local transport network and contribute to the region's environmental goals.
