Transport body recognised with national award

THE region’s new transport authority, Transport for West Midlands, has received a major boost to its credibility by being named City Region Transport Authority of the Year.

The award, presented at the National Transport Awards in London, highlighted a number of key projects that TfWM has delivered including the Midland Metro tram extension through Birmingham city centre and the Swift smartcard – the most advanced of its kind outside of London.
 
TfWM beat off competition from other regions including Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the North East.
 
Cllr Roger Lawrence, transport lead on the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “This is the industry’s most coveted award so it’s a real testament to the hard work and expertise of our staff at TfWM.
 
“The projects they have delivered are helping to drive economic growth and new jobs right across our region while bringing real benefits to the travelling public.”
 
TfWM also received recognition at event for its work improving bus services in the region through the Platinum project.
 
This involved working with transport group National Express West Midlands to introduce 60 high-quality, environmentally friendly Platinum buses with free Wi-Fi, extra legroom and comfy seats on a number of key routes.
 
The services have proved very popular with passengers, who have supplied a 94% satisfaction rating.

TfWM’s managing director Laura Shoaf said: “It’s a tremendous achievement and it marks the start of what will be an exciting time for transport in the West Midlands.”
 
She said the authority was now focussed on putting in place the transport infrastructure needed to reap the maximum economic benefits from HS2.

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