Bus, train and tram passengers will all benefit from a major funding boost for the West Midlands announced today.

Public transport bosses welcomed the announcement by Secretary of State Alistair Darling to pump £1.6bn into schemes across the country – with more than £117m for the Centro area in the next financial year.

“It is good to see the largest slice of funding coming to our region,” comments Cllr Gary Clarke, Chairman of the policy-setting West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority.

He says the way the money has been allocated shows the vital contribution public transport has to make in tackling congestion.

Today’s funding package is in response to the Local Transport Plan submitted jointly by public transport body Centro and the seven city and borough councils of the West Midlands.

“Getting the best transport network for people who live and work in the West Midlands is a long-term goal and we need to continue working with Government and our partners to secure much-needed funding for many more projects,” adds Cllr Clarke.

Two important schemes have now been given final approval today.  The PrimeLines Coventry Bus Network, which will make a real difference for existing passengers and help increase bus usage in the city receives £28m.  In Wolverhampton, the Government has approved £13m for the city centre interchange which improves linkages between the bus and rail stations and a future Midland metro link.

The network of Red Routes to improve the flow of traffic on major roads will also improve the flow of buses.  This has been awarded £28m of funding over three years.

There are also some positive comments in the detail of today’s announcement, according to the PTA boss.

“The Government says it is prepared to help progress a funding application for the redevelopment of Birmingham’s New Street Station, which is the key to unlocking much needed rail capacity and providing the city with a major public transport gateway,” he says.

The Department for Transport says it is also progressing bids for even better access to Birmingham International Airport and a strategic park and ride scheme at Longbridge.  Centro hopes for a decision on these within the next few months.

But the Government sounded a warning note about the need for all parties to deliver on programmes previously agreed.

“The Secretary of State promised an extra £1bn for local transport in the West Midlands and we need to make sure we don’t lose any of this valuable funding,” adds Cllr Clarke.

View Department for Transport release.

More details of funding contained in analysis page.