WMITA agree transport plan

West Midland political leaders have agreed to commission a ten year transport plan to help ‘unlock the region’s full economic potential’. The ten year strategic transport plan to help meet the level of economic growth required was agreed by leaders of the seven West Midlands metropolitan authorities and the three Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), which together make up the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (WMITA). With the HS2 line upcoming, they believe improvements to transport connections will be essential to make the most of the area’s location at the heart of the high speed rail network. The Strategic Transport Plan for the West Midlands will incorporate proposals outlined in Birmingham Connected, the 20 year transport vision unveiled by Birmingham City Council earlier this month. The vision has a network of rapid transit buses and trams at its heart. The ITA has also identified the Midlands Connect project as a top priority. This involves the West and East Midlands working together to press for more strategic transport investment in the region’s road, rail and freight networks.