Missed any of the TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026 presentation “Retrospectives”?
Here’s another opportunity to gain valuable insights from our Keynote Supporters and Innovation Sponsors – Midlands Connect (MC), Coventry City Council, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Inter Modal Flow, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, and Nodum Industries.
If you satisfy our regular delegate qualification criteria* for a Transport Smart Class but were unable to join us at The Old Library at Zellig, Birmingham, for the live in-person event on February 25th, CLICK HERE and complete the short “Download form” at the bottom of the post to receive a unique link giving complimentary access to all of the presentation video recordings and slides. Alternatively, click on your preferred presentation title from below to re-visit an individual retrospective:
- “Next Steps for Devolution and Growth in the Midlands – Challenges and Opportunities for Integrated Transport and Infrastructure”
- “Zero Emission Freight Using Containerised Cargo Bikes”
- “Coventry Very Light Rail – Delivering a Demonstration Line”
- “From Blocks to Better Streets – Empowering Young People to Reimagine Public Realm through Minecraft”
- “The Transition to a Franchised Bus Network for the West Midlands and the Benefits that Franchising will Bring”
- “Maximising Co-Benefits and Minimising Cost of EV Deployment and Charging – No One Plug will Rule them All”
* Those qualifying to receive the presentation videos and rich media content from this event include commissioning, procurement, trialling, partnering and policy leads, senior influencers, strategic decision makers, programme managers and planners from local authorities (e.g. city, borough, metropolitan, district and county councils); public transport operators; regional transport partnerships, sub-regional transport bodies, combined authorities, integrated transport authorities and passenger transport executives; highways authorities and road operators; government and supporting national transport agencies; non-governmental organisations; fleet operators, parking operators, prime contractors etc.
Here’s what some of our delegates and stakeholders had to say about TRANSPORT Smart Class, Midlands 2026:
“Bostin’ visit to Birmingham today for Smart Classes Transport knowledge exchange. Good to catch up with colleagues and partners from Transport for West Midlands, Arriva UK Bus, ITP etc and hear about progress of Coventry City Council very light rail project – interested to hear that the new track form could be potentially implemented on existing tram networks, which would be a game changer”…“As a PT professional, CVLR and Bus Franchising presentations were especially valuable, and all of the roundtables were useful with interesting discussion” – Principal Public Transport Officer, East Midlands Combined County Authority and Nottingham City Council • “Thanks again for the invite. Harry and colleagues found it brilliant as expected” – Project Manager (EVI), Leicestershire County Council • “I really valued the Transport for West Midlands presentation on bus franchising and, as I have just joined our authority’s LEVI project team, I particularly enjoyed the EV deployment and charging roundtable” – Transport Planner, Leicestershire County Council • “Good event – would recommend Smart Classes to colleagues. Data driven decision making & monitoring of most interest” – Highways Asset Manager, Birmingham City Council • “Excellent event organisation. Multi-modal schemes most interesting and valuable roundtable discussion on cargo bikes” – Delivery Manager – Sustainable Transport & Project Manager – Active Travel, Transport for West Midlands • “Thank you – it was great to attend” – Executive Director, Transport for West Midlands • “Well organised event. Enjoyed learning about innovation and getting my own mind thinking about how myself and my team can contribute. VLR, Bus Franchising and deliveries in cities were particularly interesting…Intermodal logistics roundtable helped me understand and challenge the concept more. Really innovative!” – Traffic and Network Coordination Officer, Transport for West Midlands • “Loved the innovative talks” – Travel Demand Manager, Transport for West Midlands
“I enjoyed the session and made some great new contacts” – VLR Programme Director, Coventry City Council/Regional VLR Programme Director, Transport for West Midlands • “Really enjoyed the Smart Class – I enjoyed the wide range of different speakers and subjects, which really opened the mind in new ways of working such as: how we could utilise not in service, non-customer trips on buses from depots to town and city centres, to move those delivery boxes to e-bikes, to save the use of a van and get extra sustainable; how we could look at redesigning roads with more than just a time restricted barrier, how this feeds into the wider network and how we as bus operators can work to harmonise on this; insights on Coventry VLR peeling the layers, and seeing how we can integrate with buses rather than compete; then the TfWM update. It is far better than just listening to 4 hours of the same subject – and opens new contacts and opportunities to flourish the business. Thank you” – Bus Network Manager, Arriva UK Bus • “The sun is shining in Birmingham today for the Smart Classes Midlands Transport event. Alongside interesting presentations on containerisation of urban parcel deliveries, innovation in home EV charging, and the use of Minecraft as a means to engage children in placemaking, we’ve heard from: Midlands Connect on the increasing ask from central government for a coordinated regional view, and the challenges LGR and political uncertainty present; Coventry City Council on their interest in Very Light Rail as a step towards an autonomous public transport network, removing the driver ‘to reduce the risk of human error’ against backdrop where people use buses ‘because they have to’ whereas they use light rail ‘because they choose to’; and West Midlands Combined Authority/TfWM on the opportunity for franchising to embed bus as the core of an integrated transport network, alongside rail, metro, cycling and walking. Certainly a thought provoking day, with some great debate and discussion through the round table session” – Head of Commercial – Midlands, Arriva UK Bus
“Excellent event, I truly enjoyed it. Great selection of topics and speakers, and a great networking opportunity” – Fares and Planning Delivery Lead, FTR Programme, Great British Railways Transition Team • “Its been a while since I attended an in-person conference. What a way to re-join the fun by talking all things Midlands and Transport! As a Midlands resident and a transport nerd, it was hugely interesting to see what the transport plans are for the Midlands and how we can make a greener future for all. Thank you to the organisers and speakers for a great day” – Head of Integrated Fares, FTR Programme, Great British Railways Transition Team • “I found it useful, especially the TfWM presentation relating to public transport bus franchising. Thanks again for the invitation” – Commercial Director – Bus, The Go-Ahead Group • “An overall excellent event experience” – Associate Director – Intelligent Mobility, Arup • “It was a pleasure to be there. I’ve made some great connections from the roundtables so I’m looking forward to positive action to come!” – Project Coordinator, Living Streets • “Thank you for a fantastic day. Container bikes, street design and school streets work were of particular personal interest” – Walk to School Project Coordinator – Midlands, Living Streets • “I enjoyed all of the expert presentation. Very worthwhile event, Thank you” – Project Coordinator – West Midlands, Living Streets • “We’re glad you had a great event and enjoyed the venue & food! It was a pleasure having you, hope to see you here again in the future” – Old Library Digbeth (Venue Host) • “Excellent event in Birmingham yesterday by Smart Classes. Great engagement too from the attendees” – Director, Inter Modal Flow (Innovation Sponsor)
If you’re interested in presenting at a Transport Smart Class, please get in touch!
Next up:
- TRANSPORT Smart Class, Scotland 2026 – Thursday 10th September, Glasgow
Like to learn more about our Smart Class events and how you can potentially participate? Click here to discover the market context of Smart Classes and for a general overview of our Transport, Public Realm & Urban Spaces, Water Management, Emissions & Air Quality, Waste Management, Energy and Health & Assisted Living editions.
Buyer side stakeholders (e.g. councils/local authorities, combined/mayoral authorities, transport authorities, public transport operators, highways authorities, lead local flood authorities, water companies and wastewater operators, waste collection and waste disposal authorities, public service providers, utilities, critical infrastructure operators, government agencies, community groups, prime contractors, developers and landowners, PPPs, NGOs etc) meeting the qualification criteria described on the individual event page (click selected Smart Class from the schedule above) can apply for a free delegate place by completing the “Registration form” located at the bottom of that page.
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