Reasons for replacing buses with "bus on rails" trams

TO ENCOURAGE TRAVEL AT A TIME OF COVID-19

AND TO BE LIKE EUROPE AT A TIME OF BREXIT!

TO ADD TO THE MULTI-MODAL MIX UP THAT IS PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

The headline benefits of this route are...

• Modal shift to Metro, resulting in journey time savings and reduced congestion along with the associated environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and reduction in noise
• Regeneration benefits including the interface with Enterprise zone, and the major developments in East Birmingham, North Solihull and the UK Central Hub
• Improving access to jobs, education and services along the East Birmingham, North Solihull corridor
• Improving connectivity to other public transport modes as part of an integrated transport network

The route is the transport element of a regeneration plan for the area. An important driver being the linking of the two HS2 termini with the Black Country by West Midlands Metro (as well as everywhere in between) and encouraging more of the general public to choose green transport options for their day-to-day travel.

When the route is open, it will increase employment opportunities across the region allowing people in this area to easily travel throughout the West Midlands. Similarly, the construction of the route would provide a number of job opportunities with the Midland Metro Alliance as we are dedicated to building the tramway with local resources and labour, ensuring the region truly benefits from the growth of the Metro network.

IN OTHER WORDS, WHATEVER THE BUS DOES THE SUPER-PRESTIGIOUS, FLASH METRO TRAM DOES, TOO.  The tram looks green and modern; the buses do not.