of safe, efficient, and economic transport facilities and services. Providing integration between public transport modes, including the provision of interchanges. Promoting and publicising the public transport network and providing travel information. Rail/Light Rail Developing a rapid transit network, including West Midlands Metro and the Coventry Very Light Rail. Developing the rail network in partnership with Network Rail and train operating companies, and formulating policies regarding a devolved rail franchise from October 2017. Maximising the benefits of HS2 across the West Midlands region. Bus Considering and approving the creation and development of Bus Quality Contract Schemes Increasing bus travel, and supporting the modernisation of the bus network in the region with the West Midlands Bus Alliance. Subsidising socially necessary but commercially non-viable bus services. Franchising bus services, if deemed necessary to improve passenger services. Ticketing and Fares Operating a concessionary fares scheme and implementing the government's National Concessionary Scheme. Integrated ticketing and developing smartcard ticketing technology within the region. Providing an annual grant to the operator of the door-to-door Ring and Ride service for people who have difficulty using other public transport facilities. (Currently this is operated by Accessible Transport, part of National Express West Midlands.) Highways Management of the West Midlands Key Route Network (WM-KRN) on behalf of the metropolitan boroughs and the mayor. Create and promote an effective freight strategy throughout the metropolitan area. Branding Network West Midlands was the brand used by TfWM when it assumed responsibility for public transport from Centro in 2016. In 2018, the system was rebranded as "West Midlands Network," with a diamond motif designed to emulate the success of the Transport for London roundel. The identity uses LL Circular by Lineto as the primary typeface, replacing the Network typeface that was previously used. All public transport infrastructure will carry the identity, with signage and liveries being replaced on a rolling basis. In 2021, it was announced that the "West Midlands Network" moniker would be dropped, leaving "Transport for West Midlands" as the public-facing brand. Key projects West Midlands Metro TfWM's predecessor, Centro, was responsible for the reintroduction of tram services to the West Midlands, with the development of the Midland Metro, now known as West Midlands Metro. Plans for a multi-line light rail system for the West Midlands were first drawn up in the early 1980s. The first (and so far only) line of the Midland Metro was opened in May 1999 between