RailAdventure UK, a transport services company based in the West Midlands, has been appointed to operate the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) vehicle during its upcoming city centre demonstration.
The trial will take place on a 220-metre section of track between Greyfriars Road and Queen Victoria Road in Coventry in May and June 2025.
Coventry Very Light Rail is being developed as a lower-cost, flexible alternative to traditional light rail systems. The project combines locally sourced automotive and rail expertise to create a new form of urban transport, featuring lightweight vehicles and an innovative track system installed within 30 centimetres of the road’s surface.
Councillor Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration, and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said:This is a significant step in our ongoing testing of Very Light Rail, and it’s fantastic that we’re working with RailAdventureUK to demonstrate this innovative model and prove the benefits it will bring to Coventry.
Very Light Rail is just the beginning of our plans to revolutionise transport in our city, tackle climate change, improve air quality, and provide a reliable and accessible travel option.
The demonstration will offer Coventry residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to experience the system and provide feedback on its performance.
RailAdventure UK will provide operational support for the trial, including vehicle operation. A father-and-son driving team from the company will run the demonstration services.
Kevin Walker, Managing Director of RailAdventure UK, said:This project is a perfect fit for RailAdventure - it’s local, innovative, and uses our operational expertise and passion for bringing new ideas to life! Our local teams will be working on this test.
With our experience as a rail operator, including battery-powered traction, we are excited to showcase why we believe there is a strong future for this type of operation. We look forward to playing a role in shaping it.
The CVLR programme is led by Coventry City Council and funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement via the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The council ultimately aims to develop a full network of CVLR routes across the city.
Members of the public will be able to register for test rides via the Coventry City Council website.
