Birmingham's Midland Metro be extended

Date: 17/2/2012

The Midland Metro in Birmingham is to be extended in a new £126 million scheme.

It is being led by the region's transport authority Centro and £75.4 million of funding will be provided by the Department for Transport.

The tram network will be extended from Snow Hill Station through Birmingham city centre to New Street Station.

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said this will bring sustainable travel options to the area and link the heart of the city to the up-and-coming business district of Snow Hill.

"The scheme will also cut carbon and create growth by getting more people on to public transport, create 1,300 new jobs and deliver a £50 million boost to the local economy," he added.

Earlier this month, Mr Baker announced the government is allocating £15 million for the development of sustainable travel initiatives up and down the UK in a bid to reduce carbon and promote economic growth.

Posted by Mary Treen