Have your say on the draft strategic transport plan for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

A draft strategic transport plan for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has been approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The draft plan outlines how extra capacity will be built into the network and how public transport will be strengthened to keep the region moving, making sure residents, businesses and visitors can continue to travel around the West Midlands.

Over the next 12 weeks comments from residents and businesses across the West Midlands are being welcomed as part of a feedback process.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands said:

Today marks an important first step in delivering world class transport for Birmingham 2022. It is imperative that people across the West Midlands are aware of what is going on and what proposed changes are taking place, so I would encourage anyone who lives, works or travels in the region to read this plan and sign up to make sure they are kept up to date. We welcome all feedback, and with your help we can make the Commonwealth Games the best it can be.”

Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

Planning an event of this scale takes many years, so it’s important we get views on our plans from the beginning, to make sure we get it right for everyone. Our aim to make sure every athlete and spectator arrives at each of the venues in plenty of time and everyone who needs to travel around the West Midlands can. The Games will be a wonderful celebration of the West Midlands, and we want to make sure transport enables everyone to enjoy the Games. Now is the chance to have your say on the principles the transport plan is based upon."

Transport for West Midlands, the transport arm of the WMCA is asking if people agree with the five principles the plan is built around:

1. Clean and green; a public transport Games Public transport, walking and cycling will be the easiest and most effective way to get around during the Games. This will help to reduce congestion, contribute to improved air quality and help keep the region moving.

2. Safe, secure, reliable and efficient transport Transport will be safe, secure and reliable. Athletes, Games officials and media and will be able to get to where they need to go on time, and everyday users of the transport network can continue to travel around the region safely.

3. Minimising disruption The impact of the Games on the transport network will be minimised to ensure residents can get to work on time, businesses can make and receive deliveries and the region remains open for business.

4. Long term benefits Birmingham 2022 will be a catalyst for delivering transport projects such as the first phase of Sprint and improved rail stations. The benefits of the Games will be maximised to make sure the effects are long lasting, like encouraging more walking and cycling, so that the region can benefit for years to come.

5. Access for all Public transport will be easy to use, affordable and accessible across all modes so that everyone is able to take part and enjoy the experience of the Games.

Residents and business are also being asked how they would like to be kept up to date as plans develop and how they want to be informed of changes to transport when the Games begin.

Engagement events are being held across the region as below:

Date Time Public events

Sat 21 September 10am-3pm Exhibition bus, Park Street, Walsall Town Centre, WS1 1LJ

Sat 5 October 10am-3pm Marquee, Mell Square, Solihull Town Centre, B91 3BG

Sat 12 October 10am- 3pm Exhibition bus, Birmingham High Street, B4 7SS

Sat 19 October 10am-3pm Exhibition bus, The Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1PL

Sat 2 November 9am-5pm Exhibition bus, Broadgate, Coventry, CV1 1FS

Sat 2 November 10am-12noon Cannock Chase Cafe, Birches Valley, WS15 2UQ

Sat 2 November 1pm-3pm Marquee, Church Street, Cannock Town Centre, WS11 0DB

Wed 6 November 3pm-7pm Dorothy Parks Community Centre, Smethwick, B67 6EH

Sat 9 November 10am-3pm Exhibition bus, Oldbury, Freeth Street, B69 3DE

Wed 13 November 3pm-7pm Brunswick Hub, 98-100 Shrubland Street, CV31 3BD

Sat 23 November 10am-3pm Goals, Tameside Park, Aldridge Rd, Birmingham B42 2UB

Comments are being invited on the plan between Monday 16 September and Friday 6 December 2019.

For more information, to the view plan, and sign up for updates please visit tfwm.org.uk/B2022transport.

ENDS