During the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the West Midlands public transport network reached record numbers.

Across the time of the games where hundreds of thousands of fans made their way to the games, local trains, bus, cycle and tram travel saw numbers increase majorly.

Transport for West Midlands worked alongside transport operators to organise services to allow spectators to get to the games. Amongst this travel was running 600 shuttle buses to and from venues.

Some of the records reached over the course of the games were over 650,000 spectator journeys on shuttle buses and Birmingham New Street had its busiest day since opening seeing 255,000 passengers pass through the station on the 6th August.

Additionally West Midlands Cycle Hire doubled their numbers with 28,000 hires and 64,910 parking spaces were booked through the park and ride service.

All event ticket holders had public transport included in their ticket, which likely contributed to the record numbers. The plan which allowed this was agreed back in June 2021 by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “As we reflect on the phenomenal success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, it’s only right that we take a moment to appreciate all the work that has been done to manage the record numbers of people visiting our region.

“It has been a remarkable team effort to get fans to and from sporting events right across the West Midlands so I’d like to say a huge thank you and well done to everyone involved in keeping the system moving.

“Thousands of volunteers have offered visitors a warm welcome to the West Midlands – pointing guests in the right direction as they navigated festivities – so congratulations to all of them on all they’ve done over the last couple of weeks.

“Beyond the volunteers, I’m extremely grateful to all the staff on our buses, trains, trams and car parks who have in their own unique way played a vital role in ensuring people made it to events across the region safely and on time.”

Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The transport system has played a crucial part in what has been a fantastic Commonwealth Games for Birmingham and the West Midlands – a once in a lifetime event enjoyed by all.

“It is testament to the planning and delivery of our services that both public transport and our road network was by and large kept moving throughout the eleven days of action.

“It shows what can be achieved through affordable public transport and I hope that many of those who took the opportunity to try our buses, trains, trams and cycle hire will keep on using them, or use their cars a little less, and leave a real green legacy from these Games.”

ENDS