Coventry Very Light Rail

Proposals for Coventry to adopt this technology were first publicly revealed during 2016. The concept for this mass transit system originated from the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), an institution that is closely associated with the University of Warwick; much of the system's early development was performed by TDI prior to other entities becoming involved. In January 2018, WMG commenced its procurement process, in which various industry partners were selected to develop and produce aspects of the vehicle. In accordance with this selection, TDI has been assigned overall responsibility for the design and manufacture of the vehicles, working in close cooperation with WMG to do so. Track and vehicle During early 2019, it was announced that development of the system had reached an advanced stage, along with an initial route and launch date. In early 2026, plans were approved for an 800 metre long demonstrator track between Coventry railway station, and Coventry University Technology Park. The route will be double track and the test vehicle will run in actual traffic. Coventry City Council's website (coventry.gov.uk) states that this 800 metre phase "is funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and is scheduled for completion by Spring/Summer 2027". ==Technology==

The concept of 'Very Light Rail' (VLR) has been developed as a means of providing a light rail system at a much lower cost and with much reduced construction times than traditional tramways or light rail systems. This will allow for such systems to be rolled out across smaller towns and cities so they can gain the benefits of a tram system at a considerably more affordable cost. Vehicles The VLR concept uses lightweight vehicles, each typically accommodating 50 passengers; of these 20 would be seated while 30 would stand. It has been proposed for these vehicles to eventually be operated autonomously. The first vehicle left the production line in March 2021, and was taken on a showcase tour before being taken to Dudley for testing. Track A major feature of the system is the track, which is prefabricated. This is relatively lightweight and shallower than traditional tramway track, being only deep, enabling it to be laid over existing utilities like water and gas pipelines and thus avoiding the need for these to be excavated and relocated; all of these factors make it quicker and cheaper to install. If required, the track can be dismantled and reused at other locations, being held together by a series of clips; this feature has also been promoted for ease of maintenance. The track is seated upon slabs, the materials of which can comprise a high-strength foam core with a recycled plastic coating. ==Network==

The first proposed route for the system may be from Coventry railway station to University Hospital via Coventry city centre. This route was originally proposed to be operational by 2024 which did not occur. Before a first full line to the begins construction later in the year, the route of which is still undergoing development. Two options for the first route have been identified by the council and combined authority, one of which would head from the City Centre to the University Hospital via Fargo Village & Wyken, the second route would head to a new modern industrial park near the village of Baginton, via Whitley. ==Funding==

The scheme has been included in a wider £15 billion plan to reshape mass transit in the West Midlands. £2.4 million of funding for its development has been sourced from the UK government's Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership. An additional £12.2 million was secured from the devolution deal for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Dudley Borough Council acquired Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation "BCIMO" (including the Very Light rail Innovation Centre) in July, securing its investments and the future of the project. ==See also==