It is refreshing to see two city politicians calling for action to boost the region’s transport system in a bid to bail the West Midlands out of a recession.

Robert Alden and Timothy Huxtable, from the passenger transport authority Centro, have made it clear rail services are the key to getting the city noticed again.

Alden unashamedly advocates putting rail before bus and sites the environmental benefits of better services.

This, he believes, will get more passengers off the road and running later rail services to more destinations could bring an end to the congestion that plagues the city.

His colleague Timothy Huxtable is also a rail advocate and his views offer a key insight into how the city might do better in the transport stakes.

His prescription of clear foresight, key planning and a speedy approval process for transport schemes all seem to be hitting the right notes.

He also comes out in favour of a high-speed rail link from the region to London, but he is adamant this should not interfere with regional and local priorities.

High-speed rail seems to have won favour whatever the political persuasion of the speaker, but there are already heated arguments about where a Birmingham rail link would terminate.

Such prevaricating will only serve to leave Birmingham floundering in the backwaters while other cities lead the way. Together Huxtable and Alden offer a double dose of what Birmingham’s transport system needs to keep it healthy and vibrant.

Let’s just hope those who listen to them will be able to put personal gripes aside and join together to make sure the city is united in its aims.