New ‘Sprint’ network revealed Three tram-style transport routes across city to be created for 2022 Games
PLANS to transform Birmingham’s public transport network in the run up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games have been revealed.
Transport for West Midlands have confirmed that three rapid Sprint bus routes will be created and are to consult residents an commuters over the next month.
The three routes, which will all start in Birmingham Moor Street bus mall, will be:
Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham Airport and Solihull (A45);
Birmingham City Centre through Sandwell to Walsall (A34);
Birmingham City Centre to Sutton Coldfield via Pype Hayes and the new Langley housing development.
Sprint services use tram-style buses running on segregated lanes to provide fast, reliable journeys.
There will be seven routes by 2026 but three of those are now being brought forward so they are in place for the Games.
These first routes will be ready to ferry visitors between key venues like the Alexander Stadium and athletes village, and the NEC. Details of the routes and where the Sprint services will stop have now been issued and commuters are being urged to view them and have their say.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “Sprint will work in tandem with the new suburban rail lines and Metro tram routes we are building, creating a transport network that can grow our economy, give people cleaner air and squeeze the maximum benefit possible from HS2.
“But Sprint can also help make the Games a success which is why we are accelerating three of the routes.
“I would urge people to have their say on these plans and help showcase our region to the world and shape our future transport system.”
Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward, added: “The arrival of Sprint will undoubtedly act as a catalyst for regeneration and inclusive growth in the West Midlands, offering improved access to jobs and opportunities including those pro- vided by HS2, Birmingham’s Big City Plan, and other major employers in the region. Sprint will offer an attractive, viable alternative for car drivers and, as we continue to tackle the pressing issue of air pollution, this exciting project will help to significantly reduce the number of cars on our roads, improving air quality in our region.”