Coventry City Council’s Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) is a new rail transport system created, which runs much cheaper than conventional light rail systems.

The system runs on a different track system than trams, meaning that it can be laid over most utilities, which makes it much cheaper and quicker.

The system shines in smaller cities and towns due to its ability to navigate 15-metre radius turns.

It runs entirely on battery power and can carry 60 passengers across towns in an environmentally friendly way.

Their demonstrator track, which they opened at the end of May, proved to be a huge success, and future CVLR plans will continue to be manufactured in the UK.

The council laid the demonstrator track in just eight weeks, and the public was invited to experience it first-hand.

It was funded by partners including the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership Council, and the project is part of Coventry’s bid to the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. 

“The Coventry Very Light Rail rides were a huge success. The track, which is the star of the show, was laid in just eight weeks, and over 3,000 people had a ride, with the feedback being really positive.

“Residents particularly liked how quiet, smooth and fast it was, as well as being pleased that it was pioneered from the innovation and green engineering skills of the city and wider West Midlands.

“CVLR is just one part of our plans to revolutionise transport in our city, tackle climate change, improve air quality, while providing a new, reliable and accessible travel option.

“Now that the vehicle is off-site, we will be working with utilities and monitoring the track, which will stay in place.

“Work has also started on the next stage, which will see us lay an 800-metre section from the railway station to the University Technology Park on Puma Way. This will enable us to show how the vehicle can run in a live traffic environment. We expect to start constructing this longer section in 2026.

“Of course, the huge news is that as part of the £2.4 billion pledged by Rachel Reeves for transport schemes in the West Midlands, there is cash identified explicitly for the first CVLR route from the city centre to the investment zone. Not only can we be on the ground delivering, but we will also be connecting to an employment site with huge potential. It’s a win-win.

“As cities around the world look for cleaner, smarter, and more cost-effective ways to transport people, Coventry’s home-grown CVLR system could soon be leading the way.”

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change