West Midlands Mayor seeks transport taskforce recruits

Richard Parker: We need to act fast, and I want the best minds around the table to help make that happen

Richard Parker: We need to act fast, and I want the best minds around the table to help make that happen

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker is seeking to recruit six people to a new transport taskforce to support his plans to connect communities by making travel easier, safer and more affordable.

Parker is aiming to create a franchised bus network to take control of fares, routes and timetables.

He is also focusing on improving delivery of essential transport infrastructure, including extensions to the West Midlands Metro system, development of a cross-city bus priority network and plans to open and upgrade more railway stations.

The transport taskforce is one of four being set up as part of a Council of Experts to help shape and deliver the Mayor’s four key priorities to: transform public transport; grow the economy; build affordable homes; and create jobs and training opportunities.

The recruitment campaign is targeting talent from businesses, universities, colleges, the health sector, think tanks, skills and training organisations, trade unions, and the voluntary and community sectors.

Each taskforce will be given the authority to challenge current policies and put forward innovative, community-driven solutions to tackle the region’s biggest challenges.

Richard Parker said: “We need to act fast, and I want the best minds around the table to help make that happen. The West Midlands is full of talent, innovation, and creativity, and I’m looking for people who care as much as I do about building a better future for our communities. Together, we can make a real, lasting difference.”

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