Inside the plan for £189,000,000 futuristic ‘very light’ transport system
A city dubbed the UK’s ‘motor capital’ is about to change when a new £189,000,000 light train system launches.
The Coventry Very Light Rail network, labelled ‘like tram but better,’ is one step closer to opening in the city, which is not usually known for its public transport provision.
First of its kind in the country, one battery-powered very light rail train can whisk around 60 passengers when the system fully opens.
The system has been labelled cheaper and more flexible than traditional railways.
While the final route has not been confirmed yet, people now have a chance to test it out themselves to see what the fuss is about.
A local father-and-son train driver team from RailAdventure UK will operate the test service on a 721-foot track.
Dad Graham Dibbins said it is ‘an extraordinary feeling to be involved in such an innovative project and at the same time to be working with my son for the first time in a professional capacity as train drivers.’
His son Joe Dibbins said he can’t believe he is ‘working with the one person I respect more than anyone else – my dad.’
The on-road tests, able to carry 17 passengers in one go, will run in Coventry city centre for a limited time only in May and June. If you want to give it a go, book your free place here.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, a cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at the council, said the ‘green’ CVLR system will ‘revolutionise transport in Coventry.’
He continued: ‘Very Light Rail is just the beginning of our plans to revolutionise transport in our city, tackle climate change, improve air quality, and provide a reliable and accessible travel option.
‘We will be running Very Light Rail for four weeks, and residents will have the opportunity to experience this one-of-a-kind vehicle and track system and provide feedback on the experience.’
What makes ‘very light rail’ different?
The cost of construction is the first thing that sets it apart from the OG railways.
Although the new system is more affordable to build than laying traditional tram or train tracks, it is still not cheap.
The estimated cost per one kilometre (0.6 miles) is £10,000,000, while a traditional tram can cost up to £30,000,000 to install for the same distance.
The new track sits just under 11 inches (30cm) within the road surface, minimising expensive and time-consuming works to relocate pipes and cables, the council said.
The VLR system is powered by batteries, meaning that, unlike trams, there is no need for overhead wires.
Could London have 'very light rail' system?
The electric, very light rail system has been touted as a way to bring disused railway lines back into action.
There are no definite plans to build ultra-light rail systems in London, but TfL and the London Assembly have discussed and reviewed the option over the years.
Major rail operators are said to have shown interest in the very light rail systems, and further trials are planned to start in 2026.
In London, the closest to the new train system is the tram network, which still runs across the southern boroughs.
The history of London trams goes back to more than 200 years, but there were times it almost disappeared for good.
Self-driving vehicles are expected to be on the UK roads by 2026, the government has said, opening the door for more autonomous rail systems.
The Coventry very light rail has been developed to allow autonomous operation in the future.
Pedestrians, cyclists and disabled passengers will have ‘sufficient provision’ on the new routes when they open, the council confirmed.
Money for the £189,000,000 system comes from the UK government, the West Midlands combined authority, the Coventry and Warwickshire local enterprise partnership and the council.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.