2021 Manifesto FINAL DRAFT - Flipbook - Page 38
waste.
We need a collaborative approach
to tackling the problems on our
railways and better public
engagement. Terminating the
failing West Midlands Trains
franchise and bringing this back
into public ownership is a crucial
step in putting our railways to
work for the West Midlands.
It would also reduce congestion
and air pollution – even more so if
the routes were linked with
modern, zero-emissions buses
running from stations, as most
lines run near or alongside major
roads.
There are 115km of rail lines in
the West Midlands that we need
to re-open, such as the
Stourbridge to Walsall, Sutton
Park and Moseley lines. And there
are others that need major
improvements to serve local
people better.
Currently, the power to re-open
and improve these lines largely
rests with central government.
The mayor needs to lobby
government to translate current
rhetoric into action for the West
Midlands.
Re-opening these rail routes
represents sound economics,
helping businesses and
connecting people to jobs and
leisure, instead of letting this
valuable infrastructure go to
To make this happen, we need
greater investment and more
powers over railway services and
infrastructure in the West
Midlands.
Transport that helps the
least well-off areas and
our most vulnerable
citizens
It is vital that we plan a transport
system that serves everyone,
regardless of where they live and
how much they earn.
Lack of public transport affects
the most vulnerable in our society
more than anyone else. For
example, in areas where car
ownership is lowest, transport
links to shops and local centres
are also often poor, making food
Transport
longer financially viable.