Stoke-on-Trent City Council says a new very light rail (VLR) network connecting the area’s six towns could ‘revolutionise’ travel in the city.
Its Transport Strategy was released for consultation on 19 October, and three lines are proposed. The Northern Line would run from Tunstall to the city centre; the Central Line from Etruria Valley Enterprise Zone to Longton via the city centre; and the Southern line from the city centre to the railway station, also serving Fenton, Longton and the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
A Strategic Outline Case has been produced for the VLR network, and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Infrastructure and Heritage Daniel Jellyman said: ‘Our transport strategy is a serious piece of work. It took years to get to this point and we have worked very hard on it, but it is not definitive and that is why we have launched our consultation. I would encourage all residents to have their say.
‘The VLR network is a key part to this strategy. I believe this should have been done 15 years ago when Manchester and Birmingham were doing it, so I am very keen not to waste any more time.
‘We have seen what other authorities are planning in the region, and we are very excited and inspired to put our own stamp on things for Stoke-on-Trent residents.’
