Plans for the Trams: 3.2m grant signed off!

Coventry is set to have a return of the trams to the city centre.

This will be the first time the city has had trams since the Coventry Blitz in the 1940’s, which passed through Broadgate and through the heart of the centre, including the Albany Road and Foleshill Road. However, after the tracks were demolished in World War Two, the system was abandoned. 

Trams of White Street

(Image: Rob Orland via historiccoventry forum)

Multiple cities around the countries still have running trams, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham. However, multiple of these are known as traditional tramways, and only few are termed as ‘Light Rail’. 

The Very Light Rail (VLR) system will be the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. It is lightweight and energy efficient, which costs little in monetary and manufacturing value. The whole point in this project is to encourage drivers to leave their cars at home and use the public transport. 

This announcement comes at a good time, with Greta Thunberg powerfully expressing her concern for global warming and the recent impact ‘Insulate Britain’ is having on the public with the blocking of the roads. While the method is questionable, the message is clear. 

The funding behind this transport is in the region of £14 million, in order to secure the research, development and the route planning.

One of the proposed tram routes will start at the Coventry Train Station and will end by the infamous Transport Museum.