Coventry ‘at the heart’ of UK transport innovation

Today, (Friday 2^nd June) Coventry is hosting a major transport conference showcasing how the city is ‘at the heart’ of national innovation.

The event will bring together local leaders, leading politicians and rural organisations to discuss transport and innovation issues affecting the region.  The event will also include contributions from Transport for West Midlands, Skyfarer and WMG at the University of Warwick highlighting key innovation and best practices across the wider region.

After the event, demonstrations of drones, the static Coventry Very Light Rail vehicle, track and simulator, and other innovations on the agenda in the morning will be available for attendees and the media.

CEO of Midlands Connect, Maria Machancoses, said: “Every year I visit and engage with hundreds of businesses and I can say, without a shadow of a doubt that Coventry is at the heart of UK transport innovation. From drone airports to very light rail, the skills and ingenuity being unleashed in the city will be a catalyst for economic growth.

“It’s exciting to see the progress in Coventry, not just foremost in the Midlands but leading the nation in this field.

“I firmly believe everyone in the Midlands wins from this kind of innovation, that is why we are hosting this major conference in Coventry, to share the knowledge and learning and allow other cities to thrive, like Coventry.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change who will also be speaking at the event, added: “We are always pleased to welcome people to Coventry to hear more about the many ways we are leading the green industrial revolution. And after this event – many of our projects will be on display for people to see in action.

“From Coventry Very Light Rail which will transform carbon free public transport, to our plans for autonomous and connected cars, the fact we will have an all electric bus fleet by 2025 and our work to create safer routes for people to cycle on segregated cycleways means we are driving forward real change in the city.”

Photo credit: Shutterstock

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