4. Transport & Modal Shift

The 2022 Commonwealth Games occupies another unique position in that it became the first ever carbon-neutral Commonwealth Games, underpinned by a commitment to ensure the Games left a positive environmental legacy for generations to come. The Social Value Charter published as part of the Games also focussed heavily on sustainability and net zero. The broader transport & infrastructure investments which materialised as a result of the Games must be fully realised in order to compliment Birmingham City Council’s aspiration to reach net zero by 2030 and for the West Midlands Combined Authority to reach its ambitions of net zero across the wider region by 2041.

Ahead of the Games, spectator transport was expected to contribute over 55% of the Games forecasted carbon footprint and as such, spectators were encouraged to make the most of public transport. A public investment of £778m also helped to create a physical legacy for the Games (with notable investments in Sandwell Aquatic Centre, Alexander Stadium, Sutton Park and Cannock Chase). Accessing these sites via public transport proved to be popular amongst visitors. According to data published by Transport for West Midlands in 2022, more than 650,000 spectator journeys were made on shuttle buses, Birmingham New Street station recorded its busiest day since opening (with over 255,000 passengers passing through on August 6th 2022), the West Midlands Metro patronage doubled its pre-Covid numbers and bikes and e-bikes received 28,000 rentals during the Games.

In total, 64,910 parking spaces were booked through the park and ride services across the region. Thousands of individuals also made use of regular local bus, rail and tram services which were included in their spectator tickets xiii. Not only did this minimise congestion during the two-week period, but it also demonstrated the effectiveness of a well-functioning transport network which can help reduce congestion and in turn, improve business productivity and reduce air pollution and associated ill health. The legacy of Birmingham 2022 will contribute to wider sustainability goals for the region while also making the West Midlands more attractive as an investment location, and thereby more likely to secure ‘big ticket’ events in the future.