Ambitious plans to modernise transport in the West Midlands were published this week, as the region launched its Transport Priorities Action Plan.

The Advantage West Midlands and the West Midlands Regional Assembly published nine priorities, of which three are local authority-driven.

These include the North Staffordshire integrated transport package – at the heart of which is the introduction of a Bus Rapid Transport System – and the Smarter Choices initiative, which focuses on bringing about changes in travel behaviour with a package of measures including travel plans.

The new growth points/settlements of significant development priority aims to support sustainable growth through public transport and highways schemes. The Action Plan will help prepare input for the regional funding advice in February 2009.