Bus stop changes set for new Birmingham city tram route

The new Metro line would link to New Street station

Work on a £14m project to reorganise bus services and move stops in Birmingham city centre is to start early next year.

Transport chiefs said the main change would be from summer 2012 when buses stop going down Corporation Street.

That will be the route for the new Midland Metro extension from Snow Hill to New Street station.

It is all part of a wider scheme for transport in and around the city.

Six new bus hubs will be created for use at Snow Hill, Bull Street and Priory Queensway, Moor Street, Markets, New Street and Paradise Circus.

System 'crucial'

Centro, the West Midlands' regional transport authority, unveiled its blueprint for Birmingham last November "to help underpin economic regeneration and cement the city's future as a vibrant global city".

It included a number of projects including the £127m Midland Metro tram extension and the £600m redevelopment of New Street train station.

One year on, council, business and transport leaders have been outlining progress made and giving more details, including information about the bus arrangements which would also see six new hubs being built around the city.

Councillor Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "Developing a modern, integrated and user-friendly transport system is crucial to Birmingham's continued development as a world-class city."

Centro said the tram extension and New Street station redevelopment were due for completion in 2015.