The West Midlands have received £ 1 billion in funding to expand the region’s transport network and support the installation of green technologies.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) got the money from the government fund City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).

Hundreds of millions of pounds will now be used to launch a range of projects, including tram extensions and electric vehicle charging points, with the aim of decarbonizing the region’s transport system and creating jobs.

It is expected that 1,000 charging stations for electric vehicles will be installed, as well as ultra-fast charging facilities for electric heavy goods vehicles, vans and buses. A series of new safe cycle paths will also be developed.

This funding will cover five years from April 2022 and, over the next few weeks, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, will work with the DfT, local councils and industry partners. transport to develop a detailed investment plan.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “We have secured over £ 1 billion in public investment to continue our transport revolution here in the West Midlands.

“This is the largest amount of transportation we have ever received, and I know the team is eager to move forward and start putting diggers in the field on some truly revolutionary projects.

“From more metro lines and stations to new bus lines and electric vehicle charging points, this money will help us continue to build a clean, green transportation network that connects communities and tackles the problem. ‘climate emergency. “

Councilor Ian Ward, WMCA Transport Portfolio Holder and Head of Birmingham City Council, added: “The people and communities of the West Midlands need to be at the heart of the government’s upgrading agenda and, of course, we would have liked to see more funding for our ambitions for the region.

“That said, it will nonetheless help us make a real difference for our communities as we work on better connections to improve access to jobs and attract new investment.

“Projects like expanding our Metro network will also encourage more people to leave their cars at home, improving the air we breathe, and we are committed to ensuring that this funding benefits the people of this region. “