Coventry’s light rail technology a ‘game-changer’

The technology used in the Very Light Rail (VLR) system in Coventry could be a game-changer for the city’s coffers, according to the program director.

Nicola Small told a council meeting that there was interest both domestically and overseas in the track on which the LRV cars were traveling and that the council held those rights.

“We have also spoken to people in Australia and Ireland and are trying to work very closely with South Yorkshire, who have a renewal programme, which would give us an ideal opportunity to trial the universal slab in Sheffield, where the heaviest tram in the country is located.”

The meeting also heard about work on the next phase of the project, an 800m (2,624ft) section next to actual traffic.

Small told the council’s business, economic and enterprise oversight committee it was great to see things happening after seven or eight years of research and development behind closed doors.

She confirmed the authority was in talks with other councils about the technology, including with a group from Canada last week.

The meeting also heard from Colin Knight, director of innovation at the council, who said an important factor to keep in mind was that the universal slab, the section containing the track elements, was easier to install than other systems and was within the council’s technology.

“I’m sure most of us remember Broad Street in Birmingham, which was closed for about four years. What we’re talking about is measuring disruption in weeks, not years, and that’s a tipping point that makes it more affordable so it can be adopted in many more cities.

“There are so many opportunities in this area and we need to make sure we take advantage of them.”

This news was collected by the Local democracy information servicewhich covers municipal councils and other public service bodies.

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