The West Midlands Combined Authority has taken a significant step forward in the long-planned Sprint bus project by approving the purchase of 24 tram-style electric buses. This investment aims to revolutionize travel along the A34 and A45 priority routes, linking Walsall, Birmingham, and Solihull with faster and more reliable public transport.
A total of £26 million has been allocated for the new fleet and charging infrastructure, with an additional £5.5 million set aside for advanced ticketing systems. These tram-like buses are designed to offer quicker boarding, improved accessibility with ample space for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and an overall enhanced passenger experience.
Originally announced in 2018 and slated for completion before the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Sprint project has faced delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and rising costs. Despite these setbacks, progress continues with infrastructure work already underway, including the installation of new bus stops, extension of bus priority lanes, and updated signaling systems.
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Local leaders have expressed strong support for the initiative. Walsall Council leader Mike Bird highlighted the importance of the route’s connection to Solihull and Birmingham Airport, emphasizing the region’s under-promoted assets. Wolverhampton councillor Chris Burden, a past transit user along the route during his university days, praised the project as a rare and promising solution that aligns closely with tram services, hoping it will encourage more people to choose public transport.
Transport for West Midlands envisions that the completed Sprint network will facilitate seamless transfers between bus, metro, and rail services. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker called the new service a milestone: “These modern, tram-style buses will make the most of our dedicated Sprint lanes and priority junctions. This won’t just be a new service—it will be the region’s first continuous cross-city route in decades, significantly cutting journey times.”
This development signals a strong commitment to creating a more sustainable and efficient public transport system in the West Midlands, aiming to shift passenger habits towards greener and faster travel options.