IMPROVING transport links from North Solihull to the town centre were on the agenda at a roundtable meeting.
Meriden MP, Saqib Bhatti joined forces with the leader of Solihull Council, Councillor Ian Courts, and the president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Eileen Schofield, to bring together businesses and transport companies.
The trio, along with Solihull Council, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Birmingham Airport, Pertemps, Plum exec, National Express, Resorts World and the NEC spoke about how to create transport links that connect the North of Solihull borough to the town centre as well as improving connectivity for underserved rural communities.
The event covered many different topics including Solihull Council’s transport strategy, the role of TfWM in facilitating plans to improve transport links, bus corridors, network development plans, employability issues due to lack of accessible transport and issues in accessing transport after evening entertainment.
Mr Bhatti said: “It is imperative that we improve transport links to North Solihull, this will make travel for residents more convenient allowing them to access new opportunities for work, leisure, and education within the Solihull borough.
“Upgrading the transport system is a massive undertaking requiring the collaboration of many different stakeholders, and I am glad that the transport roundtable has provided the forum to start these conversations.”
Ms Schofield said: “Our members raised the issue of challenges facing potential candidates looking for employment opportunities around Solihull from the north of the borough.
“We worked closely with Solihull Council and agreed that the issue required a strategic discussion in association with key stakeholders.
“Our vision is to ensure that no part of the borough is isolated from opportunity for work or any aspect of their life through lack of transport, linking the north of the borough to all parts of borough for work, education or leisure activities.”
