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New 33m fund for Sustainable Travel in the West Midlands

The West Midlands transport chiefs were today (Wednesday June 27) handed a £33 million fighting fund to help tackle congestion, reduce carbon emissions and kick start the regional economy.

Centro, working in close partnership with the seven West Midlands councils, will now use the money to fund its proposed Smart Network, Smarter Choices project. The pot will be further boosted by at least another £15 million from local public and private sector contributions.

The Smart Network, Smarter Choices project involves carrying out a wide range of sustainable travel schemes along up to ten key corridors in the West Midlands to help underpin economic growth, job creation and meet tough carbon reduction targets.

Work will be aimed at improving public transport services, walking and cycling routes and the general flow of traffic. Schemes aimed at influencing people’s travel behaviour, especially in favour of green choices for short trips, will also be carried out.

The Smart Network, Smarter Choices project has been drawn up by Centro in close collaboration with the Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley and Solihull councils as well as private rail and bus operators.

Schemes along the corridors will include:

  • New or improved walking and cycling routes
  • Small scale road and junction improvements
  • Better passenger waiting facilities
  • Expert travel planning for families, companies and schools
  • Free travel support for job seekers
  • More mobile and real time transport information
  • Smartcard technology for cashless travel

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