Researched and written 9 October 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
What Very Light Rail is
Very Light Rail is a light rail system designed to cost much less than a conventional tramway and to take far less time to build. The vehicles run on batteries, so most of the route needs no overhead wires. They sit on a new, thinner track slab that is easier to lay and to repair. The vehicle is standard gauge, so it is compatible with other networks in Great Britain.
Proposals were first made public in 2016. The concept came from WMG at the University of Warwick, with Transport Design International of Stratford-upon-Avon responsible for designing and building the vehicle. Testing takes place at the Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Dudley.
The city centre demonstrator
In January 2026 Coventry City Council's full council approved the next phase: an 800-metre twin-track route from Coventry railway station to Coventry University Technology Park on Mile Lane, where the vehicle will run in live traffic and work with traffic lights. Colas Rail UK, which built the first demonstrator, began work in February 2026.
The council says the phase is funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and is scheduled for completion by spring or summer 2027. Mile Lane was closed from June to September 2026 to install the new track.
Why it matters
The council's aim is a network that connects schools, workplaces, the station, bus routes and the city centre, with frequent services people can hop on and off like a bus. FarGo Village expects a stop on the line, linking it with the station, Pool Meadow bus station and University Hospital Coventry.
It is also a showcase. The council and Colas describe the route as proof that light rail can be built quickly and affordably for small and medium-sized cities across the country.
Staying near the works
Humber Hub, in Lower Stoke, is about 2 miles by road from Coventry station, where the demonstrator route begins. Stoke Lodge and Stoke House are about 2 miles away and Sullivan Heights about 3 miles. All four suit engineers and site teams working on the scheme.
Sources: Wikipedia: Coventry Very Light Rail; tfwm.org.uk/plan-your-journey/major-roadworks-and-events/coventry-very-light-rail; railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/colas-rail-uk-begins-phase-2-coventry-very-light-rail-following-full-council-approval; Wikipedia: Fargo Village. Distances by road from each house, worked out on OpenStreetMap.
