The West Midlands Metro network will be extended in Walsall, Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton under a plan to “revolutionise” transport across the region. 

Further investment would see rail stations opened, new rapid bus services launched, lower fares, more zero-emission vehicles, a very light rail line in Coventry and miles of safe cycling routes created to support the region’s economic growth and net-zero carbon targets. 

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board has approved bids to the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund and Bus Service Improvement Plan fund which, topped up with local funds, could secure investment of up to £2 billion over the next five years.

The WMCA Board has also backed a bid for £55 million investment into a fleet of 200 zero-emission hydrogen buses in collaboration with National Express West Midlands.