As the new government and local authorities across the UK seek cost-effective ways to improve connectivity, we believe our transport philosophy can play a key role in this development: upscaling.

Upscaling is the process of starting with smaller, more affordable transport systems—like Very Light Rail (VLR)—and expanding or enhancing the service over time as passenger demand and revenue grow. Instead of overcommitting to large, high-cost infrastructure from day one, this approach allows for a more flexible, responsive, and fiscally responsible way to meet local transport needs.

This concept is especially relevant for small to medium-sized towns and cities where budgets are tight, but the need for reliable public transport is high. It also builds long-term community support by familiarising residents with modern, lower-cost alternatives to car travel—helping reduce congestion and emissions while increasing connectivity.

Upscaling isn’t just a technical solution—it’s a mindset that prioritises flexibility, local needs, and long-term value.

The Stourbridge Shuttle has proven that VLR can work exceptionally well in this context, operating with industry-leading reliability and low operational costs. Building on this success, our Dasher project aims to apply the same upscaling principle by connecting Stourbridge to Brierley Hill using lightweight, low-emission rolling stock on a revitalised local corridor.

With strong public support, cross-party political backing, and a price tag significantly lower than traditional metro expansions, the Dasher offers a blueprint for how upscaling can turn local transport from a financial burden into a long-term asset.

We hope that local authorities will recognise the value of our service and assist us in developing a Stourbridge transport corridor, which can organically develop alongside the Dudley community.