DUDLEY, England — Global Rail News reports that the UK’s Dudley Council, in partnership with the University of Warwick’s Warwick Manufacturing Group, has submitted plans to open an innovation center for the next generation of light rail systems.

Research will explore ways to reduce the weight and cost of carriages and track to provide a cheaper alternative to heavy rail and metro systems for connections between suburban and rural areas. The proposed “very light rail” site includes a large engineering workshop, approximately 1.25 miles of double track along a disused railway line, and test platforms, as well as meeting rooms, laboratories, teaching facilities, and exhibition and conference space. For the full story, click here.