New automated train won’t stop inside Birmingham Airport, raising accessibility & convenience concerns with councillors.
HS2 calls the trains automated people movers (APM). They will link key locations, including the HS2 Interchange Station and the airport. The trains also serve the NEC and Birmingham International Station.
Marcus King updated Solihull councillors on the APM, noting the train frequency is every three minutes. Each trip will take only six minutes and they plan to move 2,100 passengers per hour, each way.
Councillor Richard Holt questioned the airport stop. He wondered why the APM wouldn’t stop inside, mentioning issues with rain and luggage.
King confirmed no changes to the plan. He said the airport has security concerns. Therefore, the stop will stay outside, and the current monorail will be removed, with the APM replacing it.
Holt finds this “bizarre,” noting that the existing monorail enters the airport. HS2 will provide a covered walkway in order to connect the APM stop to the airport.
Councillor Hazel Dawkins also voiced her concerns, focusing on accessibility for disabled people. She thinks keeping the monorail would be wiser.
Councillor Andrew Burrow is worried too, calling the plan “odd.” People heading to the airport might find it inconvenient.
Paul Tovey noted the planning committee considered the APM. Councillor Burrow explained the committee’s limited power. He will discuss further actions with officers and the group discussed this at a meeting on January 30th.