AMBITIOUS transport proposals to keep the West Midlands moving and boost the economy will be outlined at a public meeting in Dudley.

A 20-year plan of capital schemes and minor work programmes costing £6.5 billion has been drawn up by the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority..

A 12-week public consultation on the strategic plan us currently being carried and will finish on Friday October 21.

The proposals include the introduction of a fully integrated rail and rapid transit network and improving road junctions at bottlenecks.

Entitled Movement for Growth, it aims to increase the number of people who are within 45 minutes travel time by public transport to at least three main centres and the planned two HS2 rail stations.

It also aims to ensure that walking and cycling are a safe and attractive option for journeys, especially those below two miles, by building a cycle network and local improvements to encourage people to walk more.

Halesowen Green Party activist Tim Weller is campaigning for a change in the strategy to re-introduce diesel trains on a 38km line from Stourbridge Junction, through Dudley's Castle Hill, Sandwell, Walsall Station, Brownhills to Lichfield.

He said this, rather than rapid transit or metro trams, would give Dudley a direct passenger service to London Paddington, the south west and Scotland.

“It will enable some to let the train take the strain instead of freaking out in bumper to bumper road traffic,” he said.

A public meeting for people to find out more will be held next Monday (September 21) at Dudley Council House at 6pm.

To read the draft documents on the proposals go to http://www.wmita.org.uk/strategy-and-publications