Coventry University’s Technology Centre is set to become the first stop on a new demonstrator line for Coventry’s planned Very Light Rail (CVLR) network, following approval from
Coventry City Council. The proposed system is intended to showcase the advantages of the CVLR concept and form the basis for a wider network across the city.
The initial 800m route will run from Coventry Railway Station to the university’s Technology Park and includes plans for a service area and charging station at the Mile Lane site. If successful, the demonstrator will remain as part of the permanent network and be extended to other areas.
CVLR technology enables tram routes to be installed more quickly and at significantly lower cost than conventional systems. The shallow track design reduces construction time and typically avoids the need to move underground utilities such as pipes and cables.
The electric trams are also engineered to handle much tighter turning radii, allowing them to operate within the city’s existing streetscape without major infrastructure alterations or the acquisition of additional land. As the construction method is non‑invasive, the track installation does not require formal planning consent, helping to accelerate delivery.
The route to the Technology Park has been made possible through an agreement allowing Coventry City Council to use university‑owned land. The CVLR delivery team also intends to base its project headquarters at the Technology Park.
First-of-its-kindBrendan O’Reilly, sustainable transport manager at Coventry University, said: “CVLR is a first-of-its-kind transport system that offers huge benefits, not just for Coventry but for other cities across the globe of a similar size who may find a traditional tram system too costly or problematic. We have collaborated closely with the city council and it is fantastic that Coventry University’s Technology Park will be the first stop on the demonstrator line.”
He continued: “With our focus on sustainability, being able to offer transport from the railway station in the city centre to the Technology Park will help us encourage people to leave their cars at home. The technology behind CVLR is owned by Coventry City Council so should other cities adopt it, this would be a very proud moment for us to see it help others.”
Coventry residents have already had a preview of the system, with a short temporary demonstrator track installed in the city centre last year. The new, much longer section marks a significant step forward as it will allow trams to operate alongside live traffic for the first time. Coventry City Council aims to have the demonstrator running by October 2027, coinciding with the
Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress at the NEC. Delegates attending the event would be among the first to experience the system in operation, with the council hoping that global exposure will help raise interest in CVLR and encourage wider adoption of the technology.
Councillor Jim O'Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: “By approving this next and longer demonstrator route for CVLR, we have taken a decisive step toward transforming how people move around our city. This is a bold investment in cleaner, smarter and more sustainable transport, and it shows our commitment to delivering real change for residents and businesses.”
He concluded: “The route to Coventry University’s Technology Park will allow us to showcase the benefits of CVLR in a live environment, proving how this innovative system can be delivered quickly, affordably and with minimal disruption. It is an exciting moment for Coventry, and today’s decision brings us significantly closer to a transport network that reflects the ambition and ingenuity of our city.”