08.08.13
New ITA announced for West Midlands
The leaders of seven councils in the West Midlands are to form a new Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) covering the metropolitan area.
The joint committee will decide on future transport strategy and seek new investment to drive economic growth and jobs. Chairs of each LEP will be invited to join the new ITA.
The existing body will continue to oversee the delivery of day-to-day transport, and Centro will also deliver transport projects across the region to improve passenger services.
Spokesman for the leaders, Cllr Roger Lawrence, said: “Transport has a key role to play in supporting the economy and driving new jobs. We believe this decision to become the new ITA is a major step towards ensuring the West Midlands speaks with a single voice to secure our growth agenda.
“We are committed also to working closely with our region’s three Local Enterprise Partnerships to secure the transport investment we need to help all our communities grow and prosper.
“We recognise the value of Centro as the delivery body and also want to thank members of the existing ITA for the work they have done and will continue to do going forward in their new role.
“As council leaders, our work involves dealing with the strategic issues affecting the West Midlands such as economic development.
“We believe this wider involvement can help inform our decision making on ensuring we can deliver the right transport priorities across the Metropolitan area and help develop closer ties with the Shire Counties in the wider travel to work area.”
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