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Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has published a legal notice of intent to prepare two enhanced partnership schemes for the first two Sprint routes, on the A34 and A45 Sprint corridors, to ensure completion ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

An enhanced partnership is a formal agreement between a local transport authority and local bus operators to set shared aims to improve local bus services.

TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is developing Sprint as part of a wider investment in road, rail, bus, tram and cycling infrastructure designed to ease congestion, keep the region moving and drive inclusive economic growth.

The plans to prepare the enhanced partnership schemes for the A34 and A45 corridors were approved by the WMCA Board at its last meeting, together with an enhanced partnership plan for the wider metropolitan area.

Laura Shoaf, managing director of TfWM, said:

“These two Sprint bus services are our top priority because they will be an essential transport connection for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Sprint will be extremely reliable, so passengers can be sure when their bus will depart and arrive at its destination. Currently there are wide variations in journey times, which puts many people off catching the bus.”

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council and WMCA portfolio holder for transport, said:

“The future of transport in the West Midlands is about the movement of people rather than cars.

“We need to encourage more residents, business owners and visitors to choose public transport as an alternative to the car. With its dedicated bus lanes, Sprint will avoid traffic congestion and help to improve the quality of the air we breathe by reducing air pollution on the region’s roads.”

The enhanced partnership plan and accompanying schemes are expected to be drafted with operators by the end of September and then will be subject to a public consultation later in the year.

Article credit: West Midlands Combined Authority

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