Birmingham Connected update - transport and travel news - December 2021
Christmas in the city
December Travel
The festive period has arrived! Public transport is likely to start running to amended timetables until the new year so make sure you check these before you travel. Engineering work is also more likely to take place in the Christmas and New Year period as fewer people will be travelling. Read more on National Rail and National Express West Midlands websites.
If you're travelling to one of the many Christmas city centre attractions such as:
- Frankfurt Christmas market
- Centenary Square ice rink and big wheel
- Christmas at Cathedral Square
- City social in the underpass by the mailbox
This is best done by walking, cycling or public transport (don't forget the park and ride services). We continue to advise that you plan ahead and use Transport for West Midland's journey planner.
If you do travel to the city centre by private car make sure you check to see if your vehicle will be charged in the Clean Air Zone.
COVID-19 UPDATE
In response to the Omicron variant the government have also provided new rules in England. It is now vital you wear a face covering on public transport. Read more on the Government website.
Public Transport
West Midlands Rail Programme
The West Midlands Rail Programme is transforming the region’s rail network. Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Rail Executive are working with partners to redevelop existing stations and build new ones.
- The £30.9million redevelopment of Perry Barr station reached new heights with the installation of the roof.
- The canal bridge has recently been installed at University station, which will connect the new station to the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.
Sign up to the West Midlands Rail Programme newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the latest progress.
Metro services suspended
There are currently no metro services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham in both directions. Ticket acceptance is in place on bus services 74/79 and local rail services. For shorter journeys, please consider walking or cycling. Visit Transport for West Midlands for more information.
Current works
Eastside
The Eastside of Birmingham City Centre is being transformed to improve housing, office and leisure space. Therefore, we are working hard to make it one of the most connected parts of the city. Before this can happen, there is a lot of work to be done which may cause disruption to your journey.
Digbeth High Street is particularly busy due to the Digbeth public realm project. Midland Metro Alliance publish a regular newsletter on the progress of the Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension which can be found on the Metro Alliance website.
Always plan ahead and leave more time for your journey. For short trips see if you can walk, cycle or scooter. Read more on the Transport for West Midlands website.
Walking and cycling
West Midlands Cycle Hire eBikes
eBikes have launched with West Midlands Cycle Hire this month! Hire a bike for your next trip and enjoy the ride without the hassle. Read more and download the app.
Winter Wheelers
Want to win a brand-new bike on Christmas Day? Winter Wheelers is all about getting people on bikes and pedalling their way to prizes. Every day you log a ride, you're entered into the prize draw.
If you're nervous about facing the elements on your bike, Love to Ride has loads of tips, articles and quick courses to help you stay warm and safe no matter what the weather. Register for free.
Walking and Cycling Commissioner
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street has appointed Adam Tranter, who has previously volunteered as Bicycle mayor for Coventry, as the new Cycling and Walking Commissioner. He will support the planning and delivery of the region’s Starley Network of safe cycling and walking routes and accelerate plans to get more people moving around the region by foot or bike. Read the full story.
Business travel
TfWM's Moment of Change
Transport for West Midlands are continuing their Moment of Change campaign throughout December.
It takes six minutes to cycle a mile or 20 minutes to walk. Could you ditch the car for shorter journeys or add cycling or walking to your commute - if not for all, then for the first or final mile! Learn more about travelling in our region.
Park that Bike
Park that Bike is a Transport for West Midlands scheme that sends businesses and organisations bike racks FREE of charge. This improves security and encourages staff to cycle to work. Applications are now open.
Modeshift STARS
Register for FREE with Modeshift STARS to take action and be rewarded for promoting greener, healthier travel options. This will enable your workplace to create a Travel Plan and gain national standard accreditation.
West Midlands Railway
West Midlands Railway have launched a free-to-use platform for workplaces - it makes booking and managing business rail travel quick and easy. Visit the West Midlands Railway website for more information.
National Express West Midlands
National Express West Midlands are keen to ensure employees can easily access discounted bus travel across the region. Their Travel Pass Portals for workplaces are bespoke to your company, built and managed free of charge by National Express. For more information contact david.gallagher@nationalexpress.com
Commonwealth Games
Key walking routes are being improved ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The scheme covers seven projects that will enable spectators and visitors to move around the city with greater ease and safety – and the work will in turn offer a legacy to residents and future visitors in the years after the Games.
The projects, which connect rail and bus transport hubs and event venues, are designed around three topics: illuminating routes, wider footways and safer pedestrian environments. Read the full story on the council website.
Have Your Say
Lozells Places for People - Places for People in Lozells aims to reduce traffic in residential neighbourhoods so that it is safer for people to walk and cycle, and nicer to be outside for children to play and neighbours to chat. This consultation is on the next phase of Places for People in Lozells where permanent and new measures will be added. Consultation closes on 17 December 2021.
Electric Vehicle charging point survey - This survey aims to understand the electric vehicle charging needs of those living in areas who have limited or no off-street parking. Consultation is ongoing.
Dates for the diary
23 December - Frankfurt Christmas Market closes.
9 January - Ice Rink Birmingham closes.
Article posted on 8 December 2021
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