Transport in the West Midlands
The West Midlands' central location makes it a key hub of the UK's road and rail network. As such, the region is ideally situated to attract businesses to invest and locate here.
An effective and sustainable transport system is essential to the success of the West Midlands as a place to invest, work, learn, visit and live. We need improvements to our infrastructure and the ways our networks are managed to address the increasing levels of congestion on our roads and railways.
Like other regions, the West Midlands has experienced increases in travel demand, together with decades of underinvestment in national and regional transport infrastructure. This means that the region is facing rising levels of congestion on road and rail networks, and overcrowding on trains, particularly at peak times.
This congestion is putting pressure on our businesses as a result of increased journey times.
The role of Advantage West Midlands in regional transport policy
Advantage West Midlands is committed to supporting improvements to the region's transport systems.
Whilst we have no formal role in capital expenditure on transport, we work with partners to secure funding and investment for projects which support access within, across and to the region and we are also the lead Regional Development Agency in the UK on transport issues.
Our key roles are to:
play an active role in and support the work of the Regional Transport Partnership
support the redevelopment of Birmingham New Street Station and the extension of the runway at Birmingham International Airport
support improved access in to employment and business opportunities in urban areas and to regeneration sites.