First phase of TfWM’s rapid transit corridor completed

Construction of the first phase of the Sprint bus rapid transit network has completed in Birmingham, improving cross city travel for millions of people who live and work in and around the region.

Sprint is a landmark project, being the first cross city corridor of its kind. The A34 and A45 routes are being delivered in two parts with the £88m first phase now completed.

The first phase connects Walsall with Birmingham city centre and Birmingham Airport – joining the A34 with the A45 to create one continuous route. The second phase is expected to follow next year to complete the continuous bus priority between Walsall and the Airport and extend the route to Solihull.

The route will also enable Birmingham and West Midlands to further benefit from HS2, helping to spread the benefits by linking Walsall and Solihull and the intermediate communities directly with the new HS2 Curzon Street and Interchange stations.

Sprint is designed to support the region’s economic growth and expanding population, and will actively combat congestion by offering reliable, connected, and sustainable public transport. Extended bus lanes, purpose-built shelters and priority signalling at busy junctions, will ensure quicker, and more reliable, journey times for all passengers.

The bus rapid transit project has been developed and delivered by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), in partnership with local councils. The scheme has been funded by the Department for Transport