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TfWM Oversees Birmingham's Transport Network Across Multiple Routes Daily
Local services and the Birmingham Transport Plan shape how journeys are handled across motorways, stations and public transport routes.
How we reported this
Birmingham functions as a central England transport hub where 35% of peak-hour journeys into the city centre were made by rail in 2025. The Birmingham Transport Plan sets out proposals for a 20mph default speed limit on residential streets, pedestrianised city centres and restricted private car access that allows no through trips. These elements form the basis for how the city addresses traffic through decisions by local bodies and the operators they oversee.
Role of TfWM and Service Operators
Transport for West Midlands oversees public transport across the area. National Express West Midlands runs the buses, West Midlands Metro operates the trams and West Midlands Railway provides local train services. This structure directs daily operations on the network that recorded 247 million bus journeys in 2024/25, an increase of 14.8 million from the previous year, together with 65.8 million rail journeys and 9 million tram users. The division of responsibilities between TfWM and the three named operators keeps services coordinated without overlap in core routes.
Connections via Motorways and City Stations
Birmingham is linked by the M5, M6, M40 and M42 motorways. Three city centre railway stations serve the area: New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill. Birmingham International Airport lies 10 minutes from the centre. These fixed links support access for both through traffic and local journeys while the Transport Plan proposals aim to limit private car movements in central zones. The combination of motorway entries and station locations channels traffic toward designated public transport options managed by the listed operators.
The Birmingham Transport Plan remains the guiding document for future restrictions on car access. People can continue to use buses from National Express West Midlands, trams from West Midlands Metro and trains from West Midlands Railway for journeys that align with the plan's goals for residential streets and the city centre.