HS2 is looking for a contractor to help design the connection between its new Interchange Station, the NEC, Birmingham International rail station and Birmingham Airport.

Named the Automated People Mover (APM), the transport system will provide an "efficient, accessible, reliable and environmentally friendly mode of transport" according to the high speed rail developer.

The connection will carry up to 2,100 passengers per hour in each direction, on a six-minute journey.

The APM will run on an elevated 2.2km long viaduct, and range in height from six metres to 14 metres, crossing the NEC, West Coast Main Line and M42 Motorway.

​It will be complete in time for the start of services at HS2 Interchange Station.​

HS2's procurement and supply chain director, Andrew Cubitt, said: "We're pleased to be starting the procurement process for the APM Systems Contract, which is worth up to £270 million.

"The APM is a vital piece of infrastructure in the HS2 project, connecting high speed rail passengers to the classic rail network, and supporting the shift from car use to public, mass transit transport, which is so important in achieving the UK's target of net zero carbon."

Shortlisted companies will be invited to tender early next year, with the contract due to be awarded towards the end of 2024.

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The search for the APM Infrastructure contract will start later this year, with invitations to tender in 2025 and contract award in 2026.

The interchange station is at the centre of the plans for the £3.2 billion Arden Cross mixed-use commercial and residential destination which will support up to 27,000 jobs and deliver up to 3,000 homes and 557,500m2 of commercial space.