Joint statement from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority

Following the city council’s decision to further investigate options for the possible use of tunnels for light rail in Birmingham city centre, Jacobs Consultants, an international firm with a local base and a proven track record in delivering tunnelling projects, are being recommended to take the project forward.

Councillor Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said:

“I am more than pleased that Jacobs are being recommended as they have an internationally recognised pedigree in delivering underground rail systems, such as the Porto Metro and the Jubilee Line extension. We promised to carry out a feasibility study into an underground metro in Birmingham and this is another example of the progressive partnership putting ideas into reality.”

The appointment will be ratified by Birmingham City Council, following a meeting of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority’s Policy and Strategy Committee on 8^th November which is set to confirm PTA funding of £50,000.  This would be in addition to a £100,000 Birmingham contribution and is for the consultants to undertake work into possible underground solutions for future Phase Two Midland Metro routes to access the city centre.

As part of their study, which is due to report in May 2005, Jacobs will consider engineering requirements, costs of construction and operation, impact on the economic case and the environment, and implications for delivery and fundability.  They will also take into account previous studies on tunnelling options for the Midland Metro.

Walt Barber, Group Vice President for Jacobs said:

"We are delighted to be recommended to carry out this important study for Birmingham City Council (and Centro).  This is a great opportunity for Jacobs to make a significant contribution towards the transport needs and aspirations of the West Midlands.  We will bring lessons learnt from our previous delivery of similar metro and underground projects in the UK, Europe and North America.  We are looking forward to working with the City Council, Centro and other stakeholders to enable options for Metro Underground to be fully investigated and appraised."

Councillor Gary Clarke, Chairman of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority said:

“This study will be extremely significant in our joint working to provide the West Midlands with a first class, modern transport system.  There are clearly issues that need to be resolved before we can proceed – so I am delighted to have such high-calibre consultants ready to start work and that we have been able to agree a funding package.”