URL: https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1156

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To approve elements of the A34 Sprint Bus Rapid Scheme, Phase 2 within Sandwell.

Content: Approval was sought for the A34 Sprint Bus Rapid Transit Phase 2 works within Sandwell. Sandwell approval for A34 Sprint Bus Rapid Transit Phase 2 was conditional on a park and ride site at Great Barr being agreed with Transport for West Midlands and dedicated Sprint buses being ordered by Transport for West Midlands for use on the route. West Midlands Combined Authority had committed to a fleet of zero emission, articulated vehicles being introduced to the route once Phase 2 was complete. However, it had subsequently agreed between Sandwell and Transport for West Midlands that the park and ride element would not go ahead.   Reason for Decision On the 18 of March 2022 West Midlands Combined Authority Board approved the £30.6m CRSTS allocation for the delivery of Phase 2 of the A34 Walsall to Birmingham Sprint scheme. Phase 2 of the Sprint scheme and associated buses and ticketing was to be funded by West Midlands Combined Authority and would be delivered using Transport for City Regions funding. No capital funding was sought from Sandwell to implement the scheme. Phase 2 of the Sprint bus rapid transport service on the A34 in Sandwell included the following priority measures:   ·      Widening / reconstruction of the existing footway into an existing bus layby ·      Carriageway reconstruction at bus stops ·      Drainage, signing, lining and lighting works ·      New bus shelter infrastructure, including real time information (RTI) and CCTV coverage. ·      Relocation of Merrion’s Close inbound stop ·      Relocation of Merrion’s Close outbound stop ·      Removal of Scott Road outbound stop ·      Removal of Cross Lane inbound stop   Approval for phase 2 of the scheme was being coordinated with Transport for West Midlands and Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council to ensure that the information enters the public domain at the same time.   Alternative Options Considered Option 1 – Not to proceed with the Phase 2 works. Sprint A34 Phase 1 was completed in June 2022. Delivery of Phase 2 would complete the Sprint project. Whilst the option existed to not proceed with the phase 2 works, this would result in the full benefits of the Sprint project not being realised.   Resolved:-   (1)          that approval is given for the elements of the A34 Sprint Bus Rapid Scheme, Phase 2 within Sandwell (detailed in Appendix 2);   (2)          that delegated authority is given to the Service Director – Governance (Monitoring Officer), in consultation with the Service Director – Economy and Regeneration to enter into the Agreement with the West Midlands Combined Authority under Section 8 and 278 of the Highways Act 1980 for the purposes of delivering the A34 Sprint Bus Rapid Transit scheme, Phase 2.

Date of Decision: December 10, 2025