ITS features in Birmingham transport upgrade

Left: Paul Clark, UK transport minister, says the investment should cut traffic congestion around Birmingham International Airport and the National Exhibition Centre

Variable message signs and real-time transit information boards are being planned as part of a £11 million (US$15 million) scheme to improve public transport between the British Midlands town of Solihull, Birmingham International Airport (BIA) and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

Real time information boards will be introduced to enable bus passengers to plan their journeys more effectively as the screens will show when a bus is due as well as its destination.

Variable message signs will also be used to inform drivers that they may use bus lanes on a temporary basis when major events at the NEC cause significant congestion on local roads.

UK transport minister Paul Clark says the scheme will reduce journey times and cut congestion in the area. “This funding will mean better public transport for people living and working in Solihull and east Birmingham, as well as those using the airport or visiting the NEC, with improved bus routes and more regular services,” he explains.

“Better facilities encourage people to use public transport rather than their cars, and this in turn can reduce congestion on local roads and cut harmful CO2 emissions. I urge as many people as possible to take advantage of these new transport links.”

Other measures include bus priority measures at traffic signals, a new interchange at Birmingham International station improving links between trains and buses so that passengers have easier access to the town centre, airport and NEC.
 

29 January 2009