Coventry very light rail

[Coventrybususer95]

https://twitter.com/coventrycc/status/1666007632283303938?s=46

Having seen this and hearing how they plan to have public tests in place in the next 12 month raises many questions about how fast it will take to lay the tracks compared to West Midlands metro track

[ellspurs]

https://twitter.com/coventrycc/status/1666007632283303938?s=46
Having seen this and hearing how they plan to have public tests in place in the next 12 month raises many questions about how fast it will take to lay the tracks compared to West Midlands metro track

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-light-rail/light-rail

According to that, it'll take however long it takes for them to grind of 1' of the road up, plonk the tracks down, then put it back on. If they use the Midland Metro contractors, then add 600% to the time.

[Stu]

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-light-rail/light-rail

According to that, it'll take however long it takes for them to grind of 1' of the road up, plonk the tracks down, then put it back on. If they use the Midland Metro contractors, then add 600% to the time.

It sounds to me like spending millions of pounds for the sake of spending millions of pounds, just because it is 'innovative'.

In my opinion, the money would be far better spent on bus priority measures - measures that actually work - to allow bus services to operate more efficiently and reliably.

[markcf83]

It sounds to me like spending millions of pounds for the sake of spending millions of pounds, just because it is 'innovative'.

In my opinion, the money would be far better spent on bus priority measures - measures that actually work - to allow bus services to operate more efficiently and reliably.

Agreed Stu. 

[Sandy Lane]

Just a thought. Should this thread become a standalone topic as the project gets going?

The initial route will be quite short and maybe coming soon to Coventry if the money is there
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/new-traffic-restrictions-cycle-path-28274128

From the map it looks like Phase 1 will run from the railway station to just a little further than the old IKEA store.
Phase 2 goes along Corporation St to just outside of Pool Meadow.

Initial roadworks are reported due to start Spring 2024. 

[Sandy Lane]

Plans to trial a futuristic public transport system on the streets of Coventry have taken a step foward. A bid to build a 'demonstrator track' for Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) was sent in for permission by the council this month.

Work to build the track is likely to start in autumn 2024 and the the first part could be finished by next year, plans say. But people won't be able to use its battery powered vehicle to get around just yet, the report adds, as the aim of the demonstrator is to prove the system works in practice.

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/futurisic-transport-system-coventry-takes-28715299

[Sandy Lane]

The local paper has now picked up on the negative comments on VLR 

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/readers-disapprove-plans-build-coventry-28741166

[cardew]

The local paper has now picked up on the negative comments on VLR

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/readers-disapprove-plans-build-coventry-28741166

Or put it another way, writer selects the views of five people commenting on their own paper's facebook page to concoct a story on which more people will comment.  

Clicks achieved, time for a coffee. 
 
Reach quality journalism there.

[Stu]

I'm sort of repeating myself here.

There's a lot of money about to be spent (£10m per km?), and undoubtedly months of disruption while roads are dug up.

But for what? Just to 'demonstrate' this VLR system, that passengers won't be able to use?

I would agree, it's a waste of money, Coventry doesn't need this, there are already frequent bus services connecting the city centre and railway station.

[Sandy Lane]

I would agree, it's a waste of money, Coventry doesn't need this, there are already frequent bus services connecting the city centre and railway station.

Buses give a much more flexible service.

IIUC the VLR is mainly funded by DfT in London and Coventry was the chosen guinea pig (victim)? 

[Stu]

Buses give a much more flexible service.

IIUC the VLR is mainly funded by DfT in London and Coventry was the chosen guinea pig (victim)?

Yes, buses provide a flexible service, and can run on existing roads.

It doesn't matter where the funding is coming from though, at the end of the day all this money is being conjured up out of thin air and has to be paid back with interest as a tax burden over the long-term, while the developers, contractors, consultants and other private 'stakeholders' benefit financially in the short-term.

As I said earlier this is a case of spending money for the sake of spending money.

In the case of Coventry, the money would be better spent on improving bus priority measures for existing bus services.

[Sandy Lane]

It doesn't matter where the funding is coming from though, at the end of the day all this money is being conjured up out of thin air and has to be paid back with interest as a tax burden over the long-term, while the developers, contractors, consultants and other private 'stakeholders' benefit financially in the short-term.

As I said earlier this is a case of spending money for the sake of spending money.

In the case of Coventry, the money would be better spent on improving bus priority measures for existing bus services.

IMO the source of the funding is significant and may well be politically charged. It was rumoured the VLR idea and most of the funding came from Westminster as a softener because Coventry has lost out to the benefits of HS2 (and has been by passed) and is also no longer to be a part of the Midland Metro network. 

From what I understand vlr is still being developed. It's chances of survival as a project after the next election could well be questionable? 

[Sandy Lane]

There is a very recent UTube clip on the sole Coventry VLR tram at the Dudley test centre
https://youtu.be/gomiV4LrPzg?si=IgtK8RXqiZgB5Io4

Only part of the return loop seems to be the new road profile track and the rest looks standard rail track.
Impressive acceleration once out on the 'main' line.
Spotted 3 other types of rail vehicles.

[Sandy Lane]

........ and the uncertainty continues.....

A Very Light Rail (VLR) passenger service in Coventry is not expected to be up and running until at least 2026, a councillor said.

There is a lot to read here 

BBC News - Coventry's Very Light Rail not due for years - councillor
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-68544171

So delayed at least until 2026, also subject to planning permission and more funding. Hmmmmmm sounds like the public is being prepared not to expect too much, if anything at all. Not good PR with an election due soon!