Since I became Mayor of the West Midlands, it’s been my ambition to create a world-class transport system for our region.

My transport plan includes expanding the Metro network, reopening long-closed railway stations and investing in things like cycling and walking, to not only alleviate congestion on our roads but to encourage us to get about in a more healthy way.

Rethinking how we connect all the different communities across the West Midlands’ seven boroughs will also play a huge part in our ambitions to reach net zero.

Key to this transport revolution is bus travel – buses remain the workhorse of our public transport system, carrying more people than any other mode of transport.

Digbeth, the spiritual home of Brum’s Irish community, has had a long association with our buses, from the Midland Red Social Club to being the home of National Express coaches.

This month I want to tell you about exciting news from National Express West Midlands, which will mean bus passengers will soon be able to enjoy a cleaner, greener way of getting about.

National Express West Midlands is investing £150 million in 300 zero emission electric buses, which will be delivered by the end of December 2024, to be deployed across the West Midlands.

Each zero emission vehicle saves an average of 66 tonnes of carbon annually, so this investment will save a total of nearly 20,000 tonnes from going out into the atmosphere every year.

As we aim to tackle the climate emergency and maintain our commitment to reach net zero by 2041, these buses are exactly what we need - saving energy, improving air quality and cutting fuel costs for operators.

They are British made too, so they will also boost the UK’s economy, by investing in supply chains, skills, training and jobs.

Electric vehicles are the future - and I cannot wait to see even more electric buses arriving in our region in the months and years ahead.

Welcome to another Birmingham Irish Association news update

We publish news and project updates keeping you up to date with details regarding our services and events, as well as other local developments and other news that will be of interest to our clients as well as other visitors.