Transport for London (TfL) and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) have signed a deal on future knowledge sharing that will drive best practice on everything from improving air quality and managing Mobility as a Service to reducing the impact of major transport projects.

(L-R) Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority

The memorandum of understanding, signed by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, marks the first time that two devolved local authorities have made a commitment to share best practice and work towards common goals.

The agreement covers a range of areas in which both organisations believe they could benefit from working together, including monitoring developments in Mobility as a Service as well as a coordinated response towards new disruptive technologies in the future. It will also explore working with local businesses and freight organisations to help consolidate and retime freight deliveries to reduce congestion and improve air quality – particularly around construction projects – a team from TfL is due to visit Birmingham later this summer to explore the subject in more detail.

The agreement will also cover how to address and manage any potential impacts around the delivery of major transport projects.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “London and Birmingham face many of the same challenges so I am delighted that the signing of this agreement further strengthens our commitment to work together. Among other things, sharing information will help us better deal with major incidents, manage world-class sporting events and reduce congestion, improving our cities for everyone.”