Underground Confusion

Councillor Phil Bateman today stated that " We should all be concerned about the statement that Birmingham should bid for an Underground system of transport, when the proposals to develop the regions Light Rail System is so far advanced.

There is a real change in the approach to transport policy here, gone it seems is the 'package approach' to providing transport for all of us. Which recognised the fact that our boundaries are small in geographic and area terms. That there is a great deal of cross boundary movements. That transportation planning required an understanding of this type of traffic flows.

Of course Councillor Worrall,the Chair of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority is right to call for a meeting to sort out the confusing demands that are being made for Birmingham's long term transport development.

Currently the Local Authorities bid for money from Government for public transport in a balanced package, which is reflecting the needs of the County as much as the requirements of the City of Birmingham. I am not sure that there would be much support from the rest of us, if Birmingham decided to adopt this 'to hell with the rest of you' approach. The question that the region should be asking is what will be left in the public purse for our transport requirements, if this argument holds sway?
As an avid watcher of transport developments, that approach seems to be gathering momentum in some quarters of Birmingham.

Phil Bateman asks " What is your view on this issue?"