Keeping the West Midlands Moving: The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Transport Team Story
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority
West Midlands region, United Kingdom
This project won the overall CIHT 2023 Award for their work keeping the region moving during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Imagine welcoming over 1.5 million excited spectators to your city, all arriving hopeful, travelling around seamlessly, and then heading home happy and without a hitch. That was the mission facing TfWM during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which was the largest multi-sport event in England in a decade.
Working alongside 16 partner organisations, the TfWM team created a transport network that was more than just functional; it was safe, sustainable, inclusive, and unforgettable. From buses and trams to bikes and trains, every journey was part of a clean, green experience that left a lasting legacy for the region and a great case study in success for the nation.
The road to success wasn’t without obstacles. TfWM and their 16 partner organisations faced pressing issues, such as:
To overcome the challenges, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was supported by a massive transport operation, led by TfWM. They managed the influx of spectators and athletes by working with various transport operators, local authorities, and other partners to provide a comprehensive package of transport services, including extra buses, enhanced train and tram services, and improved cycling and walking routes.
It took hundreds of highways and transportation professionals in various roles, from executives and technical directors to road network managers, traffic engineers (the people who made sure roads didn’t gridlock), communications specialists (the voices keeping everyone in the loop in real-time), and spectator transport leads, all pulling in the same direction, each playing a crucial part in making sure the West Midlands kept moving during one of the busiest times in its history.
The team delivered, proving that with the right expertise, collaboration, teamwork and creative problem-solving, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. Thanks to their efforts, thousands of people got to see their heroes compete.
TfWM introduced a bespoke Integrated Management System for real-time coordination, supported by data-driven planning tools and enhanced digital journey planners. The Regional Transport Coordination Centre acted as the Games’ nerve centre, bringing teams together under one roof for fast, effective decision-making.
These results were made possible through careful preparation and strong partnerships.
This project proved that transport is about much more than getting from A to B – it’s about people, experiences, business development and community. It’s about shaping the future with sustainable travel solutions, creating opportunities for skills development and career growth and bringing communities together through world-class events while maintaining the daily operation of the region.
What would you do if you had to move a million people in just 11 days? For anyone considering a career in highways and transport, the Commonwealth Games story shows that you can be part of something huge; something that challenges you, excites you, and leaves a real legacy for our society.
A career in highways and transportation can take you anywhere, from your local community to the global stage. Want to be the reason the world keeps moving? Explore a career in highways and transportation. (insert link back to new careers page).
