Pre Metro welcomes the establishment of the Department for Transport’s independent Mass Transit Taskforce and believes the UK has a significant opportunity to transform the delivery of mass transit by embracing lower-cost, scalable and innovative transport solutions.
Drawing on more than 17 years of operating the Stourbridge Shuttle, the UK’s only operational Very Light Rail (VLR) service, Pre Metro has submitted evidence urging Government to place Very Light Rail at the heart of future transport policy and investment.
Steve Jasper, Chairman, Pre Metro stated:
“Our experience has demonstrated that affordable, scalable transport solutions can deliver many of the economic, environmental and social benefits traditionally associated with larger tram and metro systems. Frequent, reliable and cost-effective rail services can improve connectivity, support regeneration and encourage modal shift without the substantial capital costs of conventional rail infrastructure.
However, current appraisal processes and funding models continue to favour expensive, large-scale infrastructure projects, often overlooking innovative lower-cost alternatives that could transform transport in smaller towns, suburban communities and market centres. We believe Government should adopt a technology-neutral approach that ensures Very Light Rail is considered from the earliest stages of every rail reopening, regeneration and urban transport project.”
Mr Jasper noted that governance arrangements also needed to be simplified to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, enabling local authorities to develop transport solutions that reflect local needs.
He added:
“Clearer local leadership for innovative transit projects is essential if schemes are to progress more quickly. The challenges experienced in advancing our Dudley Dasher proposal have demonstrated to us how existing governance and approval processes can inhibit the development of affordable, locally led transport solutions. Dealing with local transport planning organisations can be frustrating but a recent meeting at Dudley Council with all interested parties has given me cause for optimism. Simple, affordable solutions to improve local public transport must not be ignored, a focus on delivery, rather than discussion and yet more consultancy studies, is essential.”
Chief Executive, Phil Evans noted:
“Alongside the operational expertise gained through the Stourbridge Shuttle, the multi-million-pound Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) in Dudley represents a nationally significant asset. It should play a far greater role in developing skills, testing emerging technologies and supporting the delivery of future Very Light Rail schemes across the UK, while also helping unlock new opportunities here in Dudley.”
By embracing innovation, simplifying delivery processes and recognising the proven success of lower-cost transit systems, Government can deliver better value for taxpayers while enabling many more communities to benefit from high-quality rail-based public transport within existing public spending constraints.
Pre Metro looks forward to working with the Mass Transit Taskforce and sharing the operational knowledge gained through the Stourbridge Shuttle to help shape a more flexible, affordable and sustainable future for mass transit across the United Kingdom.
Cat Eccles MP for Stourbridge commented:
“I’m a huge fan of the Stourbridge Shuttle. I think it’s a key feature of Stourbridge and people come from all over the country to see it. It’s really important that we build on the success of the Shuttle by creating the Dudley Dasher Light Rail link between Stourbridge and Brierley Hill. Now that we’ve got the Midland Metro confirmed into Brierley Hill, I think it’s absolutely the right time to make that link, get a passenger service on the line between Stourbridge and Brierley Hill and ensure we’ve got mobility for the future with public transport along that route and I think that Pre Metro could be the ones to do it.”
