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Coventry University’s Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities to help shape Coventry’s very light rail project
The Coventry VLR demonstrator
University news / Research news
Wednesday 11 June 2025
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Experts at Coventry University are to play a key role in a major project aimed at providing affordable accessible transport in the city.
Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) is a project to create a rail-based mass-transit system that can be built at less than half the cost and in half the time of conventional tram systems, while providing the same benefits.
A 220-metre single-track demonstrator has already been constructed in the city centre, the first time the new track has been installed in a live urban setting.
The project is being led by Coventry City Council, and Coventry University’s Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities has been tasked with engaging with the public to get their views on the CVLR demonstrator.
This will involve surveys and interviews with some of the 2,000 members of the public who have already signed up to take a trip on the demonstrator line, along with more in-depth follow-up research on attitudes to CVLR.
That feedback will be collated by experts at the university to produce a report and recommendations, which will be used to inform the future development of the project.
Funded by the Department for Transport via the West Midlands Combined Authority and Coventry City Council, the project aims to provide a reliable, frequent, environmentally friendly, hop-on, hop-off transport system suitable for a city the size of Coventry.
It will form part of a wider city-wide transport network connecting with existing electric buses and could potentially become commercially available for use in other cities in the UK and around the world.
The vehicles will be battery-powered and a key feature of the project is its turning system which enables the track to be installed within tight corners in the existing carriageway and at a shallow depth, to minimise the need to relocate underground cables and pipes.
We are a world-renowned centre in the development of human centred transport, whether that be very light rail or flying taxis, we’re excited to be playing a leading role in shaping this exciting transport solution in Coventry.
This is the first time such a rail system has been developed for a city of Coventry’s size and we’re very proud to be playing our part in its development. We are actively engaged in challenge- led research with and for a number of external partners, which not only benefits them but also helps shape our teaching and helps us prepare our students for the workplace.
Paul Herriotts, Professor of Transport Design at the Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities
One of those who will try the demonstrator is Professor Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Coventry University.
I’m very pleased that I will get the chance to experience what it will be like to travel on the VLR in Coventry, this project offers incredible benefits and we’re excited to be playing a role in it. It’s great for the future of transport in the city to see the council engaging with organisations such Coventry University in such a positive way on this transformational project.
Professor Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Coventry University
The Coventry Very Light Rail vehicle is here in Coventry, the city whose pioneering and manufacturing skills have helped to bring us to the point of offering rides to local people, as well many from further afield.
This is a significant next step in our plans to revolutionise transport, improve air quality, and create jobs. I’m pleased to say as well as enjoying a ride on the vehicle people can also have their say by taking part in the survey and letting us know what they think about this revolutionary project. The green economy is growing, and CVLR is at the heart of that right here.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change
Very Light Rail is cutting-edge technology which will make the delivery of rapid public transport quicker and more affordable for towns and cities.
Developed here in Coventry it is a clear example of why the region is known throughout the world as a leader in transport innovation.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair
Find out more about Coventry University’s Research Centre for Future Transport and Cities.
