HS2 Ltd unveiled the visuals for its new Automated People Mover (APM) which will connect the future HS2’s Interchange Station in Solihull with new stops at Birmingham Airport, Birmingham International Station, and the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
The 2.3 km system will run across an elevated viaduct from Birmingham International Railway Station, the National Exhibition Centre, reaching Birmingham Airport.
The viaduct will be 12 metres off the ground at its highest point, and the 3 stops will be fully accessible, designed using colour to provide clear wayfinding for passengers, while information screens and audio announcements will provide live journey updates to communicate both HS2 and People Mover services. When fully operational, the people mover will carry up to 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction.
“HS2 is about connecting the country, and the people mover is another example of how we will do that. This entire area in the West Midlands, and the wider regions across the UK will be able to capitalise on the connectivity that Birmingham Interchange Station brings and the people mover is an integral part of this,” Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 Ltd, said.
The exact vehicular system to operate the APM is still to be decided and they will be maintained in a dedicated maintenance facility which will be located along the viaduct on the eastern side of the M42 crossing.
HS2 is currently working to finalise the scheme design of the people mover and will hold a further series of events for people to see the designs in Autumn 2019 before submitting an application to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council seeking approval of matters related to design of the People Mover as required within the HS2 Act.
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