The scheme marks the final demonstration step in the city’s push to roll out a new type of ultra-light, fast-to-build urban transport aimed at smaller and medium-sized cities.

Coventry City Council is poised to approve construction of the new route between Coventry Railway Station and Coventry University Technology Park on Mile Lane when Cabinet meets on Tuesday 16 December.

At the heart of the system is a unique precast slab track design that removes the need for deep excavations.

Panels are manufactured off-site and dropped into place, dramatically cutting construction time, traffic disruption and carbon during installation – even before the battery-powered vehicle enters service.

To run in both directions amid live traffic, the project follows the success of the first public demonstration at Greyfriars Road earlier this year, where thousands of residents, engineers and transport experts took test rides.

That first 200m stretch of track was laid in just eight weeks delivering major savings on cost, time and disruption. The build also proved how quickly utilities can be accessed beneath the track, cutting future maintenance delays.

Greyfriars Road first test track under construction earlier this year

Councillor Jim O’Boyle said: “Coventry Very Light Rail is pioneering transport innovation. It is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to conventional tram systems and we have proven it can be delivered at less than half the cost and in half the time.

“We are on to a real transport game changer here. It will be good for the environment, have no unsightly overhead cables and in the future, it has the potential to be autonomous – offering a hop on and hop off service.”

The city’s ambition is to build a 12km network connecting GreenPower Park with Ansty Park, tying together the railway station, Pool Meadow Bus Station, healthcare, education, leisure and major new employment hubs.