New transport road map launched for greater economic growth…
A new transport blueprint to underpin economic growth and job creation was unveiled for the West Midlands today (Monday April 15).
“Towards a World Class Integrated Transport Network” sets out how investing in our public transport infrastructure and freight networks can help attract business, generate economic activity, create jobs, cut carbon and congestion and support new housing.
The Vision also proposes key targets for the next two decades including half of all journeys in the West Midlands being made by public transport, cycling or walking, bringing the region in line with the way people move around Europe’s most prosperous cities.
To encourage people to choose sustainable transport options the Vision includes;
- · An integrated transport network with real time passenger information systems and smartcard ticketing
- · An expanded and integrated rail, rapid transit and bus network
- · Encouraging more cycling and walking
- · A network of ‘Smart Routes’ to smooth and speed up traffic on major corridors
- · Managed motorways with improved junctions;
“Towards a World Class Integrated Transport Network”, which has been drawn up by transport authority Centro, emphasises the need to develop urban policies and public transport in an integrated way in order to achieve maximum economic benefit.
The Vision therefore reflects the emerging key political and transport priorities in the region following extensive consultation and input from the business community, local councils and the wider transport industry.
The Metropolitan Freight Strategy sets out a long term plan for the efficient movement of freight both by road and rail. It includes schemes and initiatives needed to support West Midlands businesses in their national and international trade as well as addressing the impacts of freight movements on people and communities.
Key schemes include the Stourbridge to Lichfield rail corridor, new managed motorway schemes and the encouragement of greater use of the M6 Toll by HGVs.
Centro chief executive, Geoff Inskip, said: “I would like to thank all those who responded to our consultation. It is a first step in establishing how we can achieve a transport network that is attractive, efficient and easy to use and will enhance connectivity and stimulate growth and jobs.”
Centro chairman, Cllr John McNicholas, added: “This Vision of urban mobility has been endorsed by the leaders of the seven metropolitan councils.
“It aims to dovetail and serve as a reference document for the work being undertaken by their councils as well as the Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Transport Bodies and the business community. We believe it forms a solid foundation on which we can secure our future prosperity.”
Major priorities outlined in the blueprint include the need to provide local rail and rapid transit connections to the region’s two future high speed rail stations, the need to maximise the economic potential of Birmingham Airport and greater transport investment to revitalise the Black Country.
“Towards a World Class Integrated Transport Network” and the new Metropolitan Freight Strategy were both officially approved today (Monday April 15) by the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority and can be viewed on line from Wednesday (April 17) at http://www.centro.org.uk/
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