Green light for transport’s colour-coded identity

West Midlands Transport (WMT), the brand for the region’s bus, rail and tram services and cycling initiatives, has launched a single identity which it hopes will be part of its journey to a successful integrated system.

Each has its own distinctive livery – orange for trains, blue for trams, red for buses, green for bikes – centred on the WMT diamond logo.

The West Midlands Railway logo

“Branding is not merely dressing, it is about more people using public transport in an easy way,” said West Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

“For the first time we will have trains, trams, buses, and cycles with one uniting identity which is enduring and, over time, becomes something which defines the West Midlands.

“We are fortunate the stars have aligned to enable us to do this in a cost effective way.”

The region’s trams became West Midlands Metro last month after the operating contract was awarded to a company owned by the West Midlands Combined Authority. The recent rail franchise change also meant a new brand was required.

West Midlands bikeshare, which is scheduled to begin trials in the autumn, will see bikes and docking stations carrying the WMT bike logo.

Cllr Roger Lawrence, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council and WMCA portfolio holder for transport, said: “We are building an integrated transport system that will plug into HS2 and which is critical in unlocking the economic benefits for the region.

“Making our transport system look and feel like a world class experience starts with giving it a unique identity that builds trust and confidence.”