Vision for HS2 people mover is revealed

TRANSPORT LINK: Artist's concept of the viaduct crossing Pendigo Lake.

THIS is what a tram-style "people mover" set to be installed in Solihull as part of the HS2 rail link could look like.
Driverless vehicles, with capacity to carry thousands of passengers an hour, will link the new Interchange Station to Birmingham Airport.
The raised viaduct - which will cover a total of 2.3 km - will also stop off at both the NEC site and Birmingham International.
This week HS2 released the first artwork of the transport link and a series of drop-in sessions are being in the next few days.
Residents' comments will feed into the design process with a formal application set to be made to Solihull Council in the autumn.
Mark Thurston, HS2's chief executive, said: "HS2 is about connecting the country, and the people mover is another example of how we will do that.
"This entire area in the West Midlands, and the wider regions across the UK will be able to capitalise on the connectivity that Birmingham Interchange Station brings and the people mover is an integral part of this.
"With the airport being only six minutes from the station, it means better options for air travellers, and makes it more accessible to even more of the UK."
Although with the viaduct - set to be constructed from weathering steel and concrete - standing at 12 metres tall in places, there may be some concerns about its appearance.
Further details will be presented to councillors at tomorrow's (Thursday's) meeting of the HS2 implementation advisory group.