West Midlands’ public transport network reached record numbers during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the region’s transport bosses have reported.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) said local train, tram, cycle, and bus travel all saw record-breaking numbers across the 11 days of the international multi-sport event, with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) running around 600 shuttle buses to and from venues across the region, providing 650,000 spectator journeys.
Shuttle buses line up on Smallbrook Queensway
It said this resulted from TfWM having developed, delivered and co-ordinated transport services together with transport operators and local authorities, as well as including public transport in the ticket price for the games.
The transport authority said the focus on public transport and shuttle buses meant that private car use and traffic congestion was ‘kept to an absolute minimum throughout’.
West Midlands metro mayor Andy Street said: ‘It has been a remarkable team effort to get fans to and from sporting events right across the West Midlands so I’d like to say a huge thank you and well done to everyone involved in keeping the system moving.
He praised the contribution of thousands of volunteers, adding: ‘I’m extremely grateful to all the staff on our buses, trains, trams and car parks who have in their own unique way played a vital role in ensuring people made it to events across the region safely and on time.’
The WMCA said Birmingham New Street recorded its busiest day since opening, with over 255,000 passengers travelling through the station on the second Saturday (6 August), while the West Midlands Metro doubled its pre-covid patronage numbers.
West Midlands Cycle Hire doubled the number of bike and e-bike rentals with 28,000 hires during the Games, while 64,910 parking spaces were booked through the park and ride service across the region, serving approximately 179,800 spectators.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
