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{{short description|Light rail system in the West Midlands, England}}
{{short description|Light rail system in the West Midlands, England}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox public transit
{{Infobox public transit
|name = West Midlands Metro
|name = West Midlands Metro
Line 13: Line 13:
|lines = 1
|lines = 1
|stations = 33
|stations = 33
|annual_ridership = 5.4 million (2022/23)<ref name="dft22">{{cite web |title= Light rail and tram statistics, England: year ending March 2023| publisher= [[Department for Transport]]| website=GOV.UK| date=5 September 2023| access-date=5 September 2023| url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2023/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2023}}</ref><br />{{increase}} 14.9%
|annual_ridership = 5.4 million (2022/23)<ref name="dft22">{{cite web |title= Light rail and tram statistics, England: year ending March 2023 |publisher= [[Department for Transport]] |website=GOV.UK |date=5 September 2023 |access-date=5 September 2023 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2023/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2023 |language = en-gb}}</ref><br />{{increase}} 14.9%
|headquarters = Potters Lane, [[Wednesbury]]
|headquarters = Potters Lane, [[Wednesbury]]
|began_operation = 30 May 1999
|began_operation = 30 May 1999
Line 21: Line 21:
|vehicles = 29 [[CAF Urbos#CAF Urbos 3|Urbos 3]]
|vehicles = 29 [[CAF Urbos#CAF Urbos 3|Urbos 3]]
|train_length =
|train_length =
|system_length = {{convert|14|mi}}<ref name=dftrklr>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/995781/lrt0203.ods |title=Route kilometres open for passenger traffic on light rail and trams and undergrounds by system: Great Britain - annual from 1995/96 |publisher=UK Government Department for Transport |access-date=20 September 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920112741/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/995781/lrt0203.ods}}</ref>
|system_length = {{convert|14|mi}}<ref name=dftrklr>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/995781/lrt0203.ods |title=Route kilometres open for passenger traffic on light rail and trams and undergrounds by system: Great Britain - annual from 1995/96 |publisher=UK Government Department for Transport |access-date=20 September 2021 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920112741/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/995781/lrt0203.ods |language = en-gb}}</ref>
|track_gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|al=on}}
|track_gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|al=on}}
|el = [[Overhead line]] (750 [[Volt|V]] [[Direct current|DC]])
|el = [[Overhead line]] (750 [[Volt|V]] [[Direct current|DC]])
Line 27: Line 27:
|top_speed = {{cvt|70|kph|}}
|top_speed = {{cvt|70|kph|}}
|map_name = West Midlands Metro network overview
|map_name = West Midlands Metro network overview
|map = {{West-Midlands-Metro-Network-Overview|inline=yes}}
|map = {{West-Midlands-Metro-Network-Overview|inline=yes}}
|map_state = expanded
|map_state = expanded
|website = {{Official URL}}
|website = {{URL|https://www.westmidlandsmetro.com/}}|alt=|caption=|line_number=|start=|end= |character=|weekly_ridership=}}
}}


The '''West Midlands Metro''' is a [[light-rail]]/[[tram]] system in the county of [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]], England. The network has [[List of West Midlands Metro tram stops|33 stops]] with a total of {{convert|14|mi}} of track; it currently consists of a single route, Line 1, which operates between the cities of [[Birmingham]] and [[Wolverhampton]] via the towns of [[Bilston]], [[West Bromwich]] and [[Wednesbury]], on a mixture of [[Abandoned railway|former railway lines]] and urban [[on-street running]]. The system is owned by the public body [[Transport for West Midlands]], and operated by Midland Metro Limited, a company wholly owned by the [[West Midlands Combined Authority]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=https://www.tfwm.org.uk/news/tfwm-to-take-direct-control-of-midland-metro-services/|title=TfWM to take direct control of Midland Metro services|date=22 March 2017|website=Transport for West Midlands}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=https://governance.wmca.org.uk/documents/g176/Public%20reports%20pack%2009th-Apr-2018%2013.00%20Transport%20Delivery%20Committee.pdf?T=10|title=Transport for West Midlands Annual Plan 2018-19|date=15 April 2018|website=West Midlands Combined Authority}}</ref>
The '''West Midlands Metro''' is a [[light-rail]]/[[tram]] system in the county of [[West Midlands (county)|West Midlands]], England. The network has [[List of West Midlands Metro tram stops|33 stops]] with a total of {{convert|14|mi}} of track; it currently consists of a single route, Line 1, which operates between the cities of [[Birmingham]] and [[Wolverhampton]] via the towns of [[Bilston]], [[West Bromwich]] and [[Wednesbury]], on a mixture of [[Abandoned railway|former railway lines]] and urban [[on-street running]]. The system is owned by the public body [[Transport for West Midlands]], and operated by Midland Metro Limited, a company wholly owned by the [[West Midlands Combined Authority]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=https://www.tfwm.org.uk/news/tfwm-to-take-direct-control-of-midland-metro-services/ |title=TfWM to take direct control of Midland Metro services |date=22 March 2017 |publisher=Transport for West Midlands |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |url=https://governance.wmca.org.uk/documents/g176/Public%20reports%20pack%2009th-Apr-2018%2013.00%20Transport%20Delivery%20Committee.pdf?T=10 |title=Transport for West Midlands Annual Plan 2018-19 |date=15 April 2018 |publisher=West Midlands Combined Authority |language = en-gb}}</ref>


During August 1995, a 25-year contract for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of Line 1 was awarded to the [[#Operator|Altram]] consortium; construction commenced three months later. It was launched on 30 May 1999 as '''Midland Metro''', partly using the disused [[Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line]]. During 2006, [[Gio. Ansaldo & C.|Ansaldo]] and [[John Laing Group]] both withdrew from the consortium, thus day-to-day operation of the Metro was taken over by the remaining partner, [[National Express]]. In October 2018, the National Express concession ended and the system was taken over by [[Transport for West Midlands]], the transport arm of the [[West Midlands Combined Authority]] (WMCA).
The tram system was launched on 30 May 1999 as '''Midland Metro''', partly using the disused [[Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line]]. The line originally terminated at [[Birmingham Snow Hill railway station|Birmingham Snow Hill station]] at the edge of the [[Birmingham city centre|city centre]], but following an extension opened in December 2015 it now serves the central core of Birmingham, including the principal regional mainline station, [[Birmingham New Street railway station|Birmingham New Street]]. Following further extensions the line now terminates at [[Edgbaston Village tram stop|Edgbaston Village]] since 2022. At the other end of the line, an extension to [[Wolverhampton Station tram stop|Wolverhampton station]] was opened on 17 September 2023.<ref name = wolvesdelay>{{cite news | url = https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/wolverhampton/2022/10/28/wolverhampton-metro-extension-delay-until-spring-2023-is-catastrophe-for-city/ | newspaper = Express and Star | title = 'Catastrophe for Wolverhampton' as Metro extension is delayed again until spring 2023 | first1 = Adam | last1 = Smith | date = 28 October 2022 | access-date = 27 November 2022}}</ref><ref name="rg">{{cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/midland-metro-alliance-to-manage-tramway-expansion-projects.html|title=Midland Metro Alliance to manage tramway expansion projects|first=DVV Media International|last=Ltd}}</ref>


The line originally terminated at [[Birmingham Snow Hill railway station|Birmingham Snow Hill station]] at the edge of the [[Birmingham city centre|city centre]], but following an extension opened in December 2015 it now serves the central core of Birmingham, including the principal regional mainline station, [[Birmingham New Street railway station|Birmingham New Street]]. Following further extensions the line now terminates at [[Edgbaston Village tram stop|Edgbaston Village]] since 2022. At the other end of the line, an extension to [[Wolverhampton Station tram stop|Wolverhampton station]] was opened on 17 September 2023.<ref name = wolvesdelay>{{cite news |url = https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/wolverhampton/2022/10/28/wolverhampton-metro-extension-delay-until-spring-2023-is-catastrophe-for-city/ |newspaper = Express and Star |title = 'Catastrophe for Wolverhampton' as Metro extension is delayed again until spring 2023 |first1 = Adam |last1 = Smith |date = 28 October 2022 |access-date = 27 November 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name="rg">{{cite web |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/midland-metro-alliance-to-manage-tramway-expansion-projects.html |title=Midland Metro Alliance to manage tramway expansion projects |publisher = Railway Gazette International |language = en-gb}}</ref> The Metro was originally operated by a fleet of 16 [[AnsaldoBreda T-69]] trams; these were replaced during the 2010s by a newer fleet of 42 [[CAF Urbos 3]].
Construction of a new [[#Wednesbury–Brierley Hill extension|Line 2 & 3]] from Wednesbury to [[Brierley Hill]] was approved in March 2019, started in February 2020 and was intended to be completed for the [[2022 Commonwealth Games]], but has been delayed; it is currently scheduled to be completed at least to [[Dudley]] by 2025.<ref name="indoubt"/> A branch in Birmingham to [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station|Curzon Street]] – a planned [[High Speed 2]] interchange – and on to [[Digbeth]], is also under construction as of 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-26 |title='Significant step forward' for Birmingham Metro tram extension |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-63757247 |access-date=2023-04-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Graham |date=2023-01-14 |title=Eastside Metro trams to take four more years to reach Digbeth via HS2 |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/eastside-metro-trams-wont-serve-25955152 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=BirminghamLive |language=en}}</ref> There are also proposals to extend the system further towards [[Solihull]] or [[Chelmsley Wood]] and [[Birmingham Airport]].<ref name="ConEnqfundingapproved">{{cite web |title=£450m funding green light for Midland Metro extension |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/25/450m-funding-green-light-for-midland-metro-extension/ |publisher=Construction Enquirer |access-date=19 June 2019}}</ref>

Construction of a [[#Wednesbury–Brierley Hill extension|new branch line]] from [[Wednesbury]] to [[Brierley Hill]] was approved in March 2019, started in February 2020 and was intended to be completed for the [[2022 Commonwealth Games]], but has been severely delayed; it is currently scheduled to be completed at least to [[Dudley]] by 2025.<ref name="indoubt"/> An additional branch line running to Birmingham's Eastside via [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station|Curzon Street]] – the region's planned [[High Speed 2]] terminus – and terminating at [[Digbeth]] is also under construction as of 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2022 |title='Significant step forward' for Birmingham Metro tram extension |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-63757247 |access-date=4 April 2023 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Graham |date=14 January 2023 |title=Eastside Metro trams to take four more years to reach Digbeth via HS2 |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/eastside-metro-trams-wont-serve-25955152 |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=BirminghamLive |language = en-gb}}</ref> There are also proposals to expand this branch further towards [[Chelmsley Wood]] ([[Solihull]]) and out to [[Birmingham Airport]].<ref name="ConEnqfundingapproved">{{cite web |title=£450m funding green light for Midland Metro extension |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/25/450m-funding-green-light-for-midland-metro-extension/ |publisher=Construction Enquirer |access-date=19 June 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[Birmingham]] once had an extensive [[tram]] network run by [[Birmingham Corporation Tramways]]. However, as in most British cities, the network was wound down and closed by the local authority, with the last tram running in 1953.<ref>{{cite web|title=Birmingham Corporation Transport The Tramways 1872–1953 |url=http://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/fleetlists/birmingham1.htm |access-date=18 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212115431/http://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/fleetlists/birmingham1.htm |archive-date=12 February 2013 }}</ref>
[[Birmingham]] once had an extensive [[tram]] network run by [[Birmingham Corporation Tramways]]. However, as in most British cities, the network was wound down and closed by the local authority, with the last tram running in 1953.<ref>{{cite web |title=Birmingham Corporation Transport The Tramways 1872–1953 |url=http://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/fleetlists/birmingham1.htm |access-date=18 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212115431/http://www.petergould.co.uk/local_transport_history/fleetlists/birmingham1.htm |archive-date=12 February 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name = "metro revival2002"/>


===1984 proposals===
===1984 proposals===
There had been proposals for a light rail or Metro system in Birmingham and the [[Black Country]] put forward as early as the 1950s and 1960s, ironically at a time when some of the region's lines and services were beginning to be cut back.{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=72}} However, serious inquiry into the possibility started in 1981 when the [[West Midlands County Council]] and the [[Transport for West Midlands|West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive]] formed a joint planning committee to look at light rail as a means of solving the conurbation's congestion problems. In the summer of 1984 they produced a report entitled "Rapid Transit for the West Midlands" which set out ambitious proposals for a £500 million network of ten light rail routes which would be predominantly street running, but would include some underground sections in Birmingham city centre. One of the proposed routes would have used part of the existing line as far as [[West Bromwich]].{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=73}}
There had been proposals for a light rail or Metro system in Birmingham and the [[Black Country]] put forward as early as the 1950s and 1960s, ironically at a time when some of the region's lines and services were beginning to be cut back.{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=72}} However, serious inquiry into the possibility started in 1981 when the [[West Midlands County Council]] and the [[Transport for West Midlands|West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive]] formed a joint planning committee to look at light rail as a means of solving the conurbation's congestion problems. In the summer of 1984 they produced a report entitled "Rapid Transit for the West Midlands" which set out ambitious proposals for a £500 million network of ten light rail routes which would be predominantly street running, but would include some underground sections in Birmingham city centre. One of the proposed routes would have used part of the existing line as far as [[West Bromwich]].{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=73}}<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.heritagerailway.co.uk/17178/from-the-archive-trams-again-in-birmingham/ |title = From The Archive: Trams Again In Birmingham |website = heritagerailway.co.uk |first = Alex |last = Bestwick |date = 22 September 2023 |language = en-gb}}}</ref>


The scheme suffered from several drawbacks, one being that three of the proposed routes, from Birmingham to [[Sutton Coldfield]], [[Shirley, West Midlands|Shirley]], and [[Dorridge]] would take over existing railways, and would have included the conversion into a tramway of the [[Cross-City Line]], between [[Aston railway station|Aston]] and [[Blake Street railway station|Blake Street]], ending direct rail services to [[Lichfield Trent Valley|Lichfield]]. The northern section of the [[North Warwickshire Line]] was also to be converted as far as [[Shirley railway station (England)|Shirley station]], leaving a question mark over existing train services to [[Stratford-upon-Avon railway station|Stratford-upon-Avon]]. Tram tracks would also run alongside the existing line to [[Solihull railway station|Solihull]] and [[Dorridge railway station|Dorridge]], with local train services ended.{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=73}}
The scheme suffered from several drawbacks, one being that three of the proposed routes, from Birmingham to [[Sutton Coldfield]], [[Shirley, West Midlands|Shirley]], and [[Dorridge]] would take over existing railways, and would have included the conversion into a tramway of the [[Cross-City Line]], between [[Aston railway station|Aston]] and [[Blake Street railway station|Blake Street]], ending direct rail services to [[Lichfield Trent Valley|Lichfield]]. The northern section of the [[North Warwickshire Line]] was also to be converted as far as [[Shirley railway station (England)|Shirley station]], leaving a question mark over existing train services to [[Stratford-upon-Avon railway station|Stratford-upon-Avon]]. Tram tracks would also run alongside the existing line to [[Solihull railway station|Solihull]] and [[Dorridge railway station|Dorridge]], with local train services ended.{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=73}}


The most serious drawback however, which proved fatal to the scheme, was that the first proposed route of the network, between [[Five Ways, Birmingham|Five Ways]] and [[Castle Bromwich]] via the city centre would have involved the demolition of 238 properties. This invoked strong opposition from local residents. The scheme was spearheaded by [[Wednesfield]] [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] councillor Phil Bateman,{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=73}} but was eventually abandoned in late 1985 in the face of public opposition, and the Transport Executive was unable to find a Member of Parliament willing to sponsor an enabling [[Bill (proposed law)#United Kingdom|Bill]].{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=74}}
The most serious drawback however, which proved fatal to the scheme, was that the first proposed route of the network, between [[Five Ways, Birmingham|Five Ways]] and [[Castle Bromwich]] via the city centre would have involved the demolition of 238 properties. This invoked strong opposition from local residents. The scheme was spearheaded by [[Wednesfield]] [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] councillor Phil Bateman,{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=73}} but was eventually abandoned in late 1985 in the face of public opposition over the necessity of demolishing hundreds of houses, and the Transport Executive was unable to find a member of parliament willing to sponsor an enabling [[Bill (proposed law)#United Kingdom|Bill]].{{sfn|Boynton|2001|pp=74}}<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/west-midlands-tram-vision-hits-6142780 |title = West Midlands tram vision hits the buffers |website = birminghammail.co.uk |first = Bob |last = Haywood |date = 6 October 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


===1988 proposals===
===1988 proposals===
[[File:Midland Metro2.jpg|thumb|left|An [[AnsaldoBreda T-69]] tram on the former [[Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line]]]]
[[File:Midland Metro2.jpg|thumb|An [[AnsaldoBreda T-69]] tram on the former [[Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line]]]]
Following the abolition of the West Midlands County Council and establishment of a new [[Passenger Transport Authority]] in 1986, a new light-rail scheme under the name "Midland Metro" was revived with a different set of lines. The first of up to 15 lines was intended to be operating by the end of 1993, and a network of 200 kilometres was planned to be in use by 2000.<ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report 1988–1989 |publisher=West Midlands PTE}}</ref>
Following the abolition of the West Midlands County Council and establishment of a new [[Passenger Transport Authority]] in 1986, a new light-rail scheme under the name "Midland Metro" was revived with a different set of lines. The first of up to 15 lines was intended to be operating by the end of 1993, and a network of 200 kilometres was planned to be in use by 2000.<ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report 1988–1989 |publisher=West Midlands PTE}}</ref><ref name = "metro revival2002"/>


In February 1988, it was announced that the first route, Line 1, would be between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, using much of the mothballed trackbed of the former [[Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line]], a route not included in the 1984 recommended network, partly as at that stage the section between Wednesbury and Bilston was still in use, not closing until 1992. The Wednesbury to Birmingham section had closed back in 1972, and the section between Bilston and Wolverhampton was last used in 1983.
In February 1988, it was announced that the first route, Line 1, would be between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, using much of the mothballed trackbed of the former [[Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line]], a route not included in the 1984 recommended network, partly as at that stage the section between Wednesbury and Bilston was still in use, not closing until 1992. The Wednesbury to Birmingham section had closed back in 1972, and the section between Bilston and Wolverhampton was last used in 1983.


A Bill to give [[West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive]] powers to build the line was deposited in [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] in November 1988, and became an Act of Parliament a year later, with completion expected by the mid-1990s.<ref name="LRTA">{{cite web |title= Midland Metro, The Metro Project |url= http://www.lrta.org/mmhist.html |access-date=25 March 2012 |publisher=Light Rail Transit Association}}</ref>
A Bill to give [[West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive]] powers to build the line was deposited in [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] in November 1988, and became an Act of Parliament a year later, with completion expected by the mid-1990s.<ref name="LRTA">{{cite web |title= Midland Metro, The Metro Project |url= http://www.lrta.org/mmhist.html |access-date=25 March 2012 |publisher=Light Rail Transit Association |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name = "metro revival2002"/>


A three-line network was initially planned, and powers were also obtained to build two further routes. Firstly an extension of Line 1 through the city centre to [[Five Ways, Birmingham|Five Ways]], then a second line, Midland Metro Line 2, running to [[Chelmsley Wood]], and then [[Birmingham Airport]].<ref name="line2map">{{cite map |title= Midland Metro Line 2 map |publisher=WMPTE}}</ref> A third line, Line 3 was also proposed, running from Line 1 at Wolverhampton to [[Walsall]], using much of the disused trackbed of the [[Wolverhampton and Walsall Railway]], and then, using the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill trackbed of the [[South Staffordshire Line]] (which would close in 1993), running southwards to [[Dudley]] intersecting with Line 1 along the route. This would provide a direct link with the new [[Merry Hill Shopping Centre]], which was built between 1984 and 1989.<ref name="LRTA"/>
A three-line network was initially planned, and powers were also obtained to build two further routes. Firstly an extension of Line 1 through the city centre to [[Five Ways, Birmingham|Five Ways]], then a second line, Midland Metro Line 2, running to [[Chelmsley Wood]], and then [[Birmingham Airport]].<ref name="line2map">{{cite map |title= Midland Metro Line 2 map |publisher=WMPTE}}</ref> A third line, Line 3 was also proposed, running from Line 1 at Wolverhampton to [[Walsall]], using much of the disused trackbed of the [[Wolverhampton and Walsall Railway]], and then, using the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill trackbed of the [[South Staffordshire Line]] (which would close in 1993), running southwards to [[Dudley]] intersecting with Line 1 along the route. This would provide a direct link with the new [[Merry Hill Shopping Centre]], which was built between 1984 and 1989.<ref name="LRTA"/><ref name = "metro revival2002"/>


===Construction of Line 1===
Some 25 years later, Line 2 and Line 3 have not been built. In 1997 Centro accepted that they were unable to get funding for the proposed lines, and therefore adopted a strategy of expanding the system in "bite-sized chunks", with the city-centre extension of Line 1 as the first priority. The intention was that the first decade of the 21st century would see the completion of the first of these projects.<ref name="LRTA"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Midland Metro – City Centre Extension & Fleet Replacement Strategic Case, October 2009 |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |publisher=centro.org.uk |access-date=7 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303034855/http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |archive-date=3 March 2013 }}</ref>
During August 1995, a 25-year contract for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of Line 1 was awarded to the [[#Operator|Altram]] consortium; construction commenced three months later.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199596/cmhansrd/vo951120/debtext/51120-27.htm |title=House of Commons Debates (pt 27) |date= 20 November 1995 |publisher=UK Parliament |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name = "metro revival2002"/> The estimated construction cost in 1995 was £145 million ({{Inflation|UK|145000000|1995|r=-4|fmt=eq|cursign=£}}){{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}} of which loans and grants from central government accounted for £80M, the [[European Regional Development Fund]] contributed £31M, while the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority provided £17.1M and Altram contributed £11.4M.<ref name="railway-technology.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/midland/ |title=Midland Metro Light Rail Network, United Kingdom |publisher=Railway Technology |year=2011 |language = en}}</ref><ref name = "metro revival2002"/>


By May 1997, construction work was reportedly 50 per cent complete and track-laying had been progressing at 0.5 km per week.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/news/travelling-light-in-the-city-15-05-1997/ |title = Travelling light in the city |website = constructionnews.co.uk |date = 15 May 1997 |language = en-GB}}</ref> However, the targeted completion date of August 1998 was missed by ten months, leading to compensation being paid by Altram.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = http://www.nce.co.uk/big-bill-for-late-midland-metro/832833.article |title = Big bill for late Midland metro |date = 11 March 1999 |magazine = [[New Civil Engineer]] |location = London, UK |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/news/light-rail-heavy-losses-24-07-2003/ |title = Light rail, heavy losses |date = 24 July 2003 |website = constructionnews.co.uk |language = en-gb}}</ref> The original part of Line 1, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, was opened on 30 May 1999.<ref name = "metro revival2002">{{cite web |url = https://www.metro-magazine.com/10009217/midlands-lrt-embodies-britains-push-for-a-rail-revival |title = Midlands LRT Embodies Britain's Push for a Rail Revival |website = metro-magazine.com |date = 1 May 2002 |first1 = Joseph |last1 = Marie |first2 = Chris |last2 = Chatfield |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/6163/west-midlands-metro-celebrates-20-years-of-service/ |title = West Midlands Metro celebrates 20 years of service |website = therailwayhub.co.uk |date = 22 July 2019 |first = Sam |last = Hewitt |language = en-GB}}</ref>
Work on the Birmingham Metro tram extension began in June 2012, launched by transport minister [[Norman Baker]]. The dig was begun at the junction of Corporation Street and Bull Street, with work to move water pipes and power cables. On 6 December 2015, trams entered service on the extension to Bull Street.


===Construction of Line 1===
===Further development===
Some 25 years later, Line 2 and Line 3 have not been built. In 1997, Centro accepted that they were unable to get funding for the proposed lines, and therefore adopted a strategy of expanding the system in "bite-sized chunks", with the city-centre extension of Line 1 as the first priority. The intention was that the first decade of the 21st century would see the completion of the first of these projects.<ref name="LRTA"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Midland Metro – City Centre Extension & Fleet Replacement Strategic Case, October 2009 |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |publisher=centro.org.uk |access-date=7 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303034855/http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |archive-date=3 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
A contract for the construction and operation of Line 1 was awarded to the [[#Operator|Altram]] consortium in August 1995, and construction began three months later.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199596/cmhansrd/vo951120/debtext/51120-27.htm |title=House of Commons Debates (pt 27) |date= 20 November 1995 |publisher=UK Parliament}}</ref>


Work on the Birmingham Metro tram extension began in June 2012, launched by transport minister [[Norman Baker]]. The dig was begun at the junction of Corporation Street and Bull Street, with work to move water pipes and power cables. On 6 December 2015, trams entered service on the extension to Bull Street.
The estimated construction cost in 1995 was £145 million ({{Inflation|UK|145000000|1995|r=-4|fmt=eq|cursign=£}}){{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}} of which loans and grants from central government accounted for £80M, the [[European Regional Development Fund]] contributed £31M, while the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority provided £17.1M and Altram contributed £11.4M.<ref name="railway-technology.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/midland/ |title=Midland Metro Light Rail Network, United Kingdom |publisher=Railway Technology |year=2011}}</ref> The targeted completion date of August 1998 was missed by ten months, leading to compensation being paid by Altram.<ref>{{cite magazine |url= http://www.nce.co.uk/big-bill-for-late-midland-metro/832833.article |title=Big bill for late Midland metro |date=11 March 1999 |magazine=[[New Civil Engineer]] |location =London}}</ref> The original part of Line 1, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, was opened on 30 May 1999.


==Current network==
==Current network==
===Route===
===Route===
[[File:Map Midland Metro.png|thumb|The route of Line 1, shown in red]]
[[File:Map Midland Metro.png|thumb|The route of Line 1 and the Birmingham City Centre extension]]


For nearly two decades, Line 1 between Birmingham to Wolverhampton was the solitary operating section of the Midland Metro. It runs mostly along the trackbed of the former [[Great Western Railway]] line [[Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line|between the two cities]] which was closed in phases between 1972 and 1992. Originally, the line terminated at [[Birmingham Snow Hill railway station|Birmingham Snow Hill station]], using the space of one of the former rail platforms. However, in 2015–16, the line was extended across Birmingham city centre as far as [[Grand Central tram stop|Grand Central]]. From December 2019, trams terminated at [[Library tram stop]] next to the [[Library of Birmingham]],<ref name="mail-11122019"/> and in July 2022 the line was extended further to [[Edgbaston Village tram stop]].
For nearly two decades, Line 1 between Birmingham to Wolverhampton was the solitary operating section of the Midland Metro. It runs mostly along the trackbed of the former [[Great Western Railway]] line [[Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line|between the two cities]] which was closed in phases between 1972 and 1992. Originally, the line terminated at [[Birmingham Snow Hill railway station|Birmingham Snow Hill station]], using the space of one of the former rail platforms. However, between 2015 and 2016, the line was extended across Birmingham city centre as far as [[Grand Central tram stop|Grand Central]]. From December 2019, trams terminated at [[Library tram stop]] next to the [[Library of Birmingham]],<ref name="mail-11122019"/> and in July 2022 the line was extended further to [[Edgbaston Village tram stop]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-west-midlands-metro-trams-24500197 |title = New West Midlands Metro trams route from Library to Edgbaston set to begin this weekend |work = [[Birmingham Mail]] |date = 15 July 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220716104757/https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/birmingham/2022/07/15/metro-extension-to-edgbaston-to-open/ |title = Metro extension to Edgbaston to open this Sunday |work = [[Express & Star]] |date = 15 July 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


From the [[Grand Central tram stop]], which allows interchange with the [[National Rail]] network at Birmingham New Street station, West Midlands Metro then runs on street through the city-centre to Birmingham Snow Hill station. From there, the line runs north-west, and for the first few miles it runs alongside the [[Birmingham to Worcester via Kidderminster line|Birmingham to Worcester railway line]], before the two diverge. Two stations on this stretch ([[Jewellery Quarter station|Jewellery Quarter]] and [[The Hawthorns station|The Hawthorns]]) are also tram/railway interchange stations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Midland Metro : Tram Stops|url=http://thetrams.co.uk/midlandmetro/stops/|publisher=thetrams.co.uk|access-date=16 March 2013}}</ref>
From the [[Grand Central tram stop]], which allows interchange with the [[National Rail]] network at Birmingham New Street station, West Midlands Metro then runs on street through the city-centre to Birmingham Snow Hill station. From there, the line runs north-west, and for the first few miles it runs alongside the [[Birmingham to Worcester via Kidderminster line|Birmingham to Worcester railway line]], before the two diverge. Two stations on this stretch ([[Jewellery Quarter station|Jewellery Quarter]] and [[The Hawthorns station|The Hawthorns]]) are also tram/railway interchange stations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Midland Metro : Tram Stops |url=http://thetrams.co.uk/midlandmetro/stops/ |publisher=thetrams.co.uk |access-date=16 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


At the northern end trams leave the railway trackbed at [[Priestfield tram stop|Priestfield]] to run along Bilston Road to [[Wolverhampton St George's tram stop|Wolverhampton St George's]]. From September 2023 trams terminate at Wolverhampton Railway Station instead although the original terminus remains open.
At the northern end trams leave the railway trackbed at [[Priestfield tram stop|Priestfield]] to run along Bilston Road to [[Wolverhampton St George's tram stop|Wolverhampton St George's]]. From September 2023 trams terminate at [[Wolverhampton station]] instead although the original terminus remains open.


The original proposal was to run into the former [[Wolverhampton Low Level railway station|Wolverhampton Low Station]] but this was abandoned as it was felt that the terminus would be too remote from the city centre. A loop around the city centre was also planned but this has also not been proceeded with.
The original proposal was to run into the former [[Wolverhampton Low Level railway station|Wolverhampton Low Station]] but this was abandoned as it was felt that the terminus would be too remote from the city centre. A loop around the city centre was also planned but this has also not been proceeded with.


===Stops===
===Stops===
{{main|List of West Midlands Metro tram stops}}
{{main|List of West Midlands Metro tram stops}}
There are 33 tram stops in use on Line 1.
There are 33 tram stops in use on the route.


===Frequencies===
===Frequencies===
Mondays to Saturdays, services run at ten-minute intervals during the day. Sunday day service is twelve-minute intervals and all Evening service is at fifteen-minute intervals.<ref>{{cite web|title=Metro|url=http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/metro/tram.aspx|publisher=Network West Midlands|access-date=14 November 2013}}</ref> Trams take roughly 55 minutes to complete the route.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://decisionmaking.wolverhampton.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=123721 |author=West Midlands Planning And Transportation Subcommittee |title=Public Transport Update |date=31 July 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Mondays to Saturdays, services run at ten-minute intervals during the day. Sunday day service is twelve-minute intervals and all Evening service is at fifteen-minute intervals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metro |url=http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/metro/tram.aspx |publisher=Network West Midlands |access-date=14 November 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref> Trams take roughly 55 minutes to complete the route.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://decisionmaking.wolverhampton.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=123721 |author=West Midlands Planning And Transportation Subcommittee |title=Public Transport Update |date=31 July 2009 |language = en-gb}}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


==Rolling stock==
==Rolling stock==
Line 89: Line 93:


===Current fleet===
===Current fleet===
West Midlands Metro operates 21 trams, with more on order. In summary:<ref name=TRE>{{cite news |title= CAF trams for Midland Metro Expansion Project |url= http://www.therailengineer.com/2013/05/03/caf-trams-for-midland-metro-expansion-project/ |work= The Rail Engineer |location= Coalville |date= 3 May 2013 |author= Rackley, Stuart |access-date= 19 November 2013 |archive-date= 21 November 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131121023340/http://www.therailengineer.com/2013/05/03/caf-trams-for-midland-metro-expansion-project/ |url-status= dead }}</ref>
West Midlands Metro operates 21 trams, with more on order. In summary:<ref name=TRE>{{cite news |title= CAF trams for Midland Metro Expansion Project |url= http://www.therailengineer.com/2013/05/03/caf-trams-for-midland-metro-expansion-project/ |work= The Rail Engineer |location= Coalville |date= 3 May 2013 |last= Rackley |first= Stuart |access-date= 19 November 2013 |archive-date= 21 November 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131121023340/http://www.therailengineer.com/2013/05/03/caf-trams-for-midland-metro-expansion-project/ |url-status= dead |language = en-gb}}</ref>


{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
Line 124: Line 128:
|—
|—
|17–37
|17–37
|All
|Line 1
|2012–2015
|2012–2015
|2014–present
|2014–present
|-
|-
|9
|21
|12
|
|38-58
|38-58
|All
|Line 1
|2021–2023
|2021–2022
|2021–Present
|2021–Present
|-
|-
!Total
!Total
!colspan="8" |
!colspan="8" |
!21
!42
!21
!
!colspan="4" |
!colspan="4" |
|}
|}


In February 2012, Centro announced that it was planning a £44.2{{nbsp}}million replacement of the entire existing T-69 tram fleet.<ref>{{cite web|date=October 2009 |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2533&sID=4972 |title=Midland Metro – City Centre Extension & Fleet Replacement: Delivery, Commercial & Financial Case |publisher=Centro |format=PDF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209025647/http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2533&sID=4972 |archive-date=9 February 2010 }}</ref> [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles|CAF]] was named preferred bidder for 19 to 25 [[CAF Urbos#CAF Urbos 3|Urbos 3 trams]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/caf-named-preferred-bidder-to-supply-new-midland-metro-trams.html |title=CAF named preferred bidder to supply new Midland Metro trams | date=2 February 2012 |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |location =London}}</ref> A £40{{nbsp}}million order for 20 was signed, with options for five more.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/work-begins-on-pound128m-midland-metro-expansion-project.html |title=Work begins on £128m Midland Metro expansion project | date=22 March 2012 |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |location =London}}</ref> The new fleet provided an increased service of ten trams per hour in each direction, with an increased capacity of 210 passengers per tram (compared to 156 passengers on the T69 trams).
In February 2012, Centro announced that it was planning a £44.2{{nbsp}}million replacement of the entire existing T-69 tram fleet.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 2009 |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2533&sID=4972 |title=Midland Metro – City Centre Extension & Fleet Replacement: Delivery, Commercial & Financial Case |publisher=Centro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209025647/http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2533&sID=4972 |archive-date=9 February 2010 |language = en-gb}}</ref> [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles|CAF]] was named preferred bidder for 19 to 25 [[CAF Urbos#CAF Urbos 3|Urbos 3 trams]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/caf-named-preferred-bidder-to-supply-new-midland-metro-trams.html |title=CAF named preferred bidder to supply new Midland Metro trams | date=2 February 2012 |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |location =London, UK |language = en-gb}}</ref> A£40{{nbsp}}million order for 20 was signed, with options for five more.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/work-begins-on-pound128m-midland-metro-expansion-project.html |title=Work begins on £128m Midland Metro expansion project |date=22 March 2012 |work=[[Railway Gazette International]] |location =London, UK |language = en-gb}}</ref> The new fleet provided an increased service of ten trams per hour in each direction, with an increased capacity of 210 passengers per tram (compared to 156 passengers on the T69 trams).


The first four new trams entered service on 5 September 2014; all of the T-69s had been replaced by August 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Midland Metro trams launched into service|url=http://centro.org.uk/about-us/news/2014/new-trams-launched/|publisher=Centro|access-date=5 September 2014|date=5 September 2014}}</ref>
The first four new trams entered service on 5 September 2014; all of the T-69s had been replaced by August 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Midland Metro trams launched into service |url=http://centro.org.uk/about-us/news/2014/new-trams-launched/ |publisher=Centro |access-date=5 September 2014 |date=5 September 2014 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


In October 2019, WMCA awarded CAF a contract to supply an additional 21 Urbos 3 trams worth £83.5{{nbsp}}million for the expanding network, with the option to purchase a further 29. The contract includes technical support and battery management services over 30{{nbsp}}years.
In October 2019, WMCA awarded CAF a contract to supply an additional 21 Urbos 3 trams worth £83.5{{nbsp}}million for the expanding network, with the option to purchase a further 29. The contract includes technical support and battery management services over 30{{nbsp}}years.
Line 150: Line 154:
Cracks were found in a couple of the new trams during routine inspection in June 2021 leading to all services being briefly suspended. Services were suspended again in November 2021 for four weeks as further inspections had discovered that more significant permanent repairs were required.<ref name= 2021suspension />
Cracks were found in a couple of the new trams during routine inspection in June 2021 leading to all services being briefly suspended. Services were suspended again in November 2021 for four weeks as further inspections had discovered that more significant permanent repairs were required.<ref name= 2021suspension />


The service was suspended again on 20 March 2022 for replacement of body panels<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temporary service suspended to enable detailed inspections – West Midlands Metro |url=https://westmidlandsmetro.com/temporary-service-suspended-to-enable-detailed-inspections/ |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=westmidlandsmetro.com|date=21 March 2022 }}</ref><ref name= 2022suspension /> and recommenced on 9 June 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Midlands Metro: Service returns after two-months of repairs |work=BBC News |date=9 June 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-61746703 |access-date=4 July 2022}}</ref>
The service was suspended again on 20 March 2022 for replacement of body panels<ref>{{Cite web |title=Temporary service suspended to enable detailed inspections – West Midlands Metro |url=https://westmidlandsmetro.com/temporary-service-suspended-to-enable-detailed-inspections/ |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=westmidlandsmetro.com |date=21 March 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name= 2022suspension /> and recommenced on 9 June 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Midlands Metro: Service returns after two-months of repairs |publisher=BBC News |date=9 June 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-61746703 |access-date=4 July 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


===Former fleet===
===Former fleet===
Line 193: Line 197:
====T-69====
====T-69====
The T-69s were built in Italy by [[AnsaldoBreda]] (now Hitachi Rail Italy), and were used only on the Midland Metro (as it was called then).
The T-69s were built in Italy by [[AnsaldoBreda]] (now Hitachi Rail Italy), and were used only on the Midland Metro (as it was called then).
After withdrawal, all sixteen were transferred to the tram test centre at [[Long Marston, Warwickshire#Former military depot|Long Marston]]. Most of the trams were sold for scrap, but four of them still remain at Long Marston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/midland.html |title=Midland Metro Fleet List |publisher=British Trams Online |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>
After withdrawal, all 16 were transferred to the tram test centre at [[Long Marston, Warwickshire#Former military depot|Long Marston]].


==Infrastructure==
==Infrastructure==
Line 208: Line 212:


===Power supply===
===Power supply===
Some of the line is [[Railway electrification in Great Britain|electrified]] at 750 V DC using [[overhead lines]], and that system was renewed in 2010/11, requiring short-term closures.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/07/11/midland-metro-to-shut-for-two-weeks/ |work=[[Express & Star]]|location =Wolverhampton |title=Midland Metro to shut for two weeks |date=11 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/News/Metro_upgrade.aspx |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100728213822/http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/News/Metro_upgrade.aspx |archive-date=28 July 2010 |title=Metro upgrage work taking place later this year |publisher=Centro |year=2010}}</ref> The current trams have batteries, and charge at specially adapted tram stops, eliminating the need for visible power infrastructure within certain city sections.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=New Civil Engineer|title=Birmingham powers up battery operated trams|url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/birmingham-powers-battery-operated-trams-12-12-2019/|last=Clark|first=Tim|date=2019-12-12}}</ref>
Some of the line is [[Railway electrification in Great Britain|electrified]] at 750 V DC using [[overhead lines]], and that system was renewed in 2010/11, requiring short-term closures.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/07/11/midland-metro-to-shut-for-two-weeks/ |work=[[Express & Star]] |location =Wolverhampton, UK |title=Midland Metro to shut for two weeks |date=11 July 2010 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/News/Metro_upgrade.aspx |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100728213822/http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/News/Metro_upgrade.aspx |archive-date=28 July 2010 |title=Metro upgrage work taking place later this year |publisher=Centro |year=2010 |language = en-gb}}</ref> The current trams have batteries, and charge at specially adapted tram stops, eliminating the need for visible power infrastructure within certain city sections.<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=New Civil Engineer |title=Birmingham powers up battery operated trams |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/birmingham-powers-battery-operated-trams-12-12-2019/ |last=Clark |first=Tim |date=12 December 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


===Depot===
===Depot===
The Metro Centre control room, stabling point and depot is near [[Wednesbury Great Western Street tram stop]], on land once used as [[Siding (rail)|railway sidings]].
The Metro Centre control room, stabling point and depot is near [[Wednesbury Great Western Street tram stop]], on land once used as [[Siding (rail)|railway sidings]].


In January 2023, construction began to expand the depot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=West Midlands Metro depot's £43m expansion |url=https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/west-midlands-metro-depots-ps43m-expansion |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Rail Technology Magazine |language=en}}</ref>
In January 2023, construction began to expand the depot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=West Midlands Metro depot's £43m expansion |url=https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/articles/west-midlands-metro-depots-ps43m-expansion |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Rail Technology Magazine}}</ref>


==Fares and ticketing==
==Fares and ticketing==
Unlike many other tram and train networks in the UK, West Midlands Metro does not offer ticket machines or ticket offices at tram stops although machines were provided when the system opened. They were later replaced by conductors. Single, return, and all-day tickets are sold by the on-tram [[Bus conductor|conductors]]. Tickets valid for 1, 4, or 52 weeks are sold from seven "Travel Shops" located around the West Midlands, though only four are in locations served by the Metro.
Unlike many other tram and train networks in the UK, West Midlands Metro does not offer ticket machines or ticket offices at tram stops although machines were provided when the system opened. They were later replaced by conductors. Single, return, and all-day tickets are sold by the on-tram [[Bus conductor|conductors]]. Tickets valid for 1, 4, or 52 weeks are sold from seven "Travel Shops" located around the West Midlands, though only four are in locations served by the Metro.


Up until 2018 single, return, and day tickets could only be purchased with cash or Swift cards. [[Contactless smart card|Contactless payment card]]s are now accepted, though notes larger than £10 are not. Using a Swift card attracts a small discount, usually 10p.
Up until 2018 single, return, and day tickets could only be purchased with cash or Swift cards, but [[Contactless smart card|Contactless payment card]]s are now accepted.


As well as the above, West Midlands Metro accepts a range of interavailable [[Transport for West Midlands]] (TfWM) tickets such as nbus+Metro and {{Proper name|nNetwork}}, which can be bought on buses and at railway stations, as well as on the trams.
As well as the above, West Midlands Metro accepts a range of interavailable [[Transport for West Midlands]] (TfWM) tickets such as nbus+Metro and {{Proper name|nNetwork}}, which can be bought on buses and at railway stations, as well as on the trams.


Cash fares are distance-related. The scale was originally intended to be broadly comparable with buses, but this caused the system to run at a significant loss and fares rose.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2736605.stm |title=Huge losses hit Metro |work=BBC News |date=7 February 2003 |access-date=12 May 2010}}</ref> In January 2013 the adult single fare from Birmingham to Wolverhampton was £2 by bus and £3.60 by tram, although the tram journey is much quicker even when the bus routes are congestion-free. By 2016 the tram fare had risen to £4.<ref>{{cite web|author=Created by One Black Bear |url=http://nxbus.co.uk/the-metro/tickets-prices/metro-cash-fares |title=Purchasing tickets &#124; Tickets & prices &#124; National Express Midland Metro |location=GB-BIR |website=Nxbus.co.uk |date=2 January 2016 |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> In November 2013 Birmingham City Council indicated plans to introduce a smart-card system (similar to [[Transport for London]]'s [[Oyster Card]]) to improve access, alongside a range of measures including a new Tube-style map and electric bus networks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/regeneration/historic-plan-change-transport-birmingham-6279176 |title=Historic Plans to Change Transport in Birmingham |work=[[Birmingham Post]]|date=11 November 2013 |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> This has now launched and is called the Swift card.
Cash fares were distance-related. The scale was originally intended to be broadly comparable with buses, but this caused the system to run at a significant loss and fares rose.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2736605.stm |title=Huge losses hit Metro |publisher=BBC News |date=7 February 2003 |access-date=12 May 2010 |language = en-gb}}</ref> In January 2013, the adult single fare from Birmingham to Wolverhampton was £2 by bus and £3.60 by tram, although the tram journey is much quicker even when the bus routes are congestion-free. By 2016 the tram fare had risen to £4.<ref>{{cite web |author=Created by One Black Bear |url=http://nxbus.co.uk/the-metro/tickets-prices/metro-cash-fares |title=Purchasing tickets &#124; Tickets & prices &#124; National Express Midland Metro |location=GB-BIR |website=Nxbus.co.uk |date=2 January 2016 |access-date=21 July 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref> In November 2013, Birmingham City Council indicated plans to introduce a smart-card system (similar to [[Transport for London]]'s [[Oyster card]]) to improve access, alongside a range of measures including a new Tube-style map and electric bus networks.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/regeneration/historic-plan-change-transport-birmingham-6279176 |title=Historic Plans to Change Transport in Birmingham |work=[[Birmingham Post]]|date=11 November 2013 |access-date=11 November 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref> This has now launched and is called the Swift card.


In March 2022, the fares system was amended again, with the graduated fares replaced by four Zones:<ref>{{cite news|url= https://westmidlandsmetro.com/maps/zonal-map/ |title=West Midlands Metro Zones |website=westmidlandsmetro.com |access-date=22 November 2022}}</ref><br />
In March 2022, the fare system was amended again, with the graduated fares replaced by four zones:<ref>{{cite news |url= https://westmidlandsmetro.com/maps/zonal-map/ |title=West Midlands Metro Zones |website=westmidlandsmetro.com |access-date=22 November 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref>

''Zone 1'' - [[Edgbaston Village tram stop|Edgbaston Village]] to [[Jewellery Quarter station|Jewellery Quarter]] (Birmingham City Zone)<br />
''Zone 2'' - [[Jewellery Quarter station|Jewellery Quarter]] to [[Black Lake tram stop|Black Lake]]<br />
* ''Zone 1'' [[Edgbaston Village tram stop|Edgbaston Village]] to [[Jewellery Quarter station|Jewellery Quarter]] (Birmingham City Centre)
''Zone 3'' - [[Black Lake tram stop|Black Lake]] to [[Priestfield tram stop|Priestfield]]<br />
* ''Zone 2'' [[Jewellery Quarter station|Jewellery Quarter]] to [[Black Lake tram stop|Black Lake]]
''Zone 4'' - [[Priestfield tram stop|Priestfield]] to [[Wolverhampton St George's tram stop|Wolverhampton St George's]]/[[Wolverhampton Station tram stop|Wolverhampton station]] (Wolverhampton City Zone)<br />
* ''Zone 3'' [[Black Lake tram stop|Black Lake]] to [[Priestfield tram stop|Priestfield]]
* ''Zone 4'' – [[Priestfield tram stop|Priestfield]] to [[Wolverhampton Station tram stop|Wolverhampton station]] (Wolverhampton City Centre)
Fares were now charged on a per-Zone basis, with fares payable for travel in Zone 1 slightly higher than Zones 2-4 (this applies to single Zone, two Zone and three Zone fares).<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2022/03/16/west-midlands-metro-fares-how-to-travel-and-what-you-will-pay-under-new-system/ |title=West Midlands Metro Fares: how to travel and what you will pay under new system |website=expressandstar.com |date=16 March 2022 |access-date=22 November 2022}}</ref> The stops at [[Jewellery Quarter station|Jewellery Quarter]], [[Black Lake tram stop|Black Lake]] and [[Priestfield tram stop|Priestfield]] are "Boundary Stations", meaning they sit in both Zones.

Fares are now charged on a per-zone basis, with fares payable for travel in Zone 1 slightly higher than Zones 2-4 (this applies to single zone, two zone and three zone fares).<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2022/03/16/west-midlands-metro-fares-how-to-travel-and-what-you-will-pay-under-new-system/ |title=West Midlands Metro Fares: how to travel and what you will pay under new system |website=expressandstar.com |date=16 March 2022 |access-date=22 November 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref> The stops at [[Jewellery Quarter station|Jewellery Quarter]], [[Black Lake tram stop|Black Lake]] and [[Priestfield tram stop|Priestfield]] are "boundary stations", meaning they sit in both Zznes.


==Corporate affairs==
==Corporate affairs==
===Operator===
===Operator===
When the Midland Metro system opened in 1999, it was originally operated by Altram, a [[joint venture]] of the infrastructure company [[John Laing Group|John Laing]], the engineering firm [[Gio. Ansaldo & C.|Ansaldo]], and the transport group [[National Express]]. In 2006, Ansaldo and Laing officially withdrew from the venture after financial difficulties, and day-to-day operation was taken over by the remaining partner, National Express, who ran the system as [[National Express Midland Metro]].<ref name="ansaldolaingdoarunner">{{cite web|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/555de3d0ed915d7ae50000cc/westmidlands.pdf |title=Anticipated acquisition by West Midlands Travel Limited of the joint venture shares of Laing Infrastructure Holdings Limited and Ansaldo Transporti Sistema Ferroviari SpA in Altram LRT Limited |publisher=Office of Fair Trading |date=2 March 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007011148/http://oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/2006/westmidlands.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2008 }}</ref>
When the Midland Metro system opened in 1999, it was originally operated by Altram, a [[joint venture]] of the infrastructure company [[John Laing Group|John Laing]], the engineering firm [[Gio. Ansaldo & C.|Ansaldo]], and the transport group [[National Express]].<ref name = "metro revival2002"/> During 2006, Ansaldo and Laing officially withdrew from the venture after financial difficulties, and day-to-day operation was taken over by the remaining partner, National Express, who ran the system as [[National Express Midland Metro]].<ref name="ansaldolaingdoarunner">{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/555de3d0ed915d7ae50000cc/westmidlands.pdf |title=Anticipated acquisition by West Midlands Travel Limited of the joint venture shares of Laing Infrastructure Holdings Limited and Ansaldo Transporti Sistema Ferroviari SpA in Altram LRT Limited |publisher=Office of Fair Trading |date=2 March 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007011148/http://oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/mergers_ea02/2006/westmidlands.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2008 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


In October 2018, the National Express concession ended and the system was taken over by [[Transport for West Midlands]], the transport arm of the [[West Midlands Combined Authority]] (WMCA). Operation of Midland Metro was taken over by Midland Metro Ltd, a company wholly owned by WMCA, and the system was rebranded ''West Midlands Metro''.<ref>{{cite news |title=TfWM to take over running of Midland Metro next year |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/rail-news/tfwm-to-take-over-running-of-midland-metro-next-year |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Rail Technology Magazine|date=22 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="autogenerated2"/> WMCA subsequently set up a [[consortium]] of various engineering and consultancy firms, the Midland Metro Alliance, to design and construct future network extensions.<ref name="rg"/>
In October 2018, the National Express concession ended and the system was taken over by [[Transport for West Midlands]], the transport arm of the [[West Midlands Combined Authority]] (WMCA). Operation of Midland Metro was taken over by Midland Metro Ltd, a company wholly owned by WMCA, and the system was rebranded ''West Midlands Metro''.<ref>{{cite news |title=TfWM to take over running of Midland Metro next year |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/rail-news/tfwm-to-take-over-running-of-midland-metro-next-year |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Rail Technology Magazine |date=22 March 2017 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="autogenerated2"/> WMCA subsequently set up a [[consortium]] of various engineering and consultancy firms, the Midland Metro Alliance, to design and construct future network extensions.<ref name="rg"/>


===Business trends===
===Business trends===
The current operator, Midland Metro Ltd, has produced accounts from 1 October 2017.<ref name="2019 Accounts"/> Between 1999 and 2003, Altram had operated Midland Metro unsuccessfully on a [[for-profit]] basis. However, operating revenue did not cover costs, and in February 2003, auditors refused to sign off Midland Metro's accounts as a [[going concern]].<ref name="ansaldolaingdoarunner"/><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/article2109542.ece |title=Auditors at Midland Metro refuse to sign off accounts |work=The Times |date=12 February 2003 |location=London |first=Mark |last=Court |access-date=12 May 2010}} {{subscription required}}</ref> From 2006, under sole National Express control, losses were largely covered by [[cross-subsidy]] from other parts of the National Express group,<ref name="ansaldolaingdoarunner"/> but the figures were not shown separately in their published accounts.
The current operator, Midland Metro, has produced accounts from 1 October 2017.<ref name="2019 Accounts"/> Between 1999 and 2003, Altram had operated Midland Metro unsuccessfully on a [[for-profit]] basis. However, operating revenue did not cover costs, and in February 2003, auditors refused to sign off Midland Metro's accounts as a [[going concern]].<ref name="ansaldolaingdoarunner"/><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/article2109542.ece |title=Auditors at Midland Metro refuse to sign off accounts |work=The Times |date=12 February 2003 |location=London, UK |first=Mark |last=Court |access-date=12 May 2010 |language = en-gb}} {{subscription required}}</ref> From 2006, under sole National Express control, losses were largely covered by [[cross-subsidy]] from other parts of the National Express group,<ref name="ansaldolaingdoarunner"/> but the figures were not shown separately in their published accounts.


Passenger revenue and passenger numbers are published by the Department of Transport.<ref name="LRT"/>
Passenger revenue and passenger numbers are published by the Department for Transport.<ref name="LRT"/>


The key available trends in recent years for West Midlands Metro are (years ending 31 March):
The key available trends in recent years for West Midlands Metro are (years ending 31 March):
Line 367: Line 373:
| align="center" |<ref name="LRT"/>
| align="center" |<ref name="LRT"/>
| align="center" |<ref name="LRT"/>
| align="center" |<ref name="LRT"/>
| align="center" |{{efn|2019: Figures for 18 months}} <br /><ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2019 Accounts">{{cite web |title=Statement of Accounts for the 18 months ended 31 March 2019|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/10932342/filing-history|publisher=Midland Metro Ltd| date=30 September 2019 |access-date=1 June 2020}}</ref>
| align="center" |{{efn|2019: Figures for 18 months}} <br /><ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2019 Accounts">{{cite web |title=Statement of Accounts for the 18 months ended 31 March 2019 |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/10932342/filing-history |publisher=Midland Metro Ltd |date=30 September 2019 |access-date=1 June 2020 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
| align="center" |<ref name="LRT">{{cite web |title=Light rail and tram statistics (LRT)|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-lrt |publisher=Department for Transport | date=23 June 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="2020 Accounts">{{cite web |title=Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10932342/filing-history|publisher=Midland Metro Ltd| date=8 December 2020 |access-date=2 March 2021}}</ref>
| align="center" |<ref name="LRT">{{cite web |title=Light rail and tram statistics (LRT) |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/light-rail-and-tram-statistics-lrt |publisher=Department for Transport | date=23 June 2021 |access-date=19 November 2021 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name="2020 Accounts">{{cite web |title=Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10932342/filing-history |publisher=Midland Metro Ltd |date=8 December 2020 |access-date=2 March 2021 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
| align="center" |{{efn|2021: Activities and income in fiscal 2021 were severely reduced by the impact of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus pandemic]]}}<br /><ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2021 Accounts">{{cite web |title=Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10932342/filing-history|publisher=Midland Metro Ltd| date=14 December 2021 |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref>
| align="center" |{{efn|2021: Activities and income in fiscal 2021 were severely reduced by the impact of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus pandemic]]}}<br /><ref name="LRT"/><ref name="2021 Accounts">{{cite web |title=Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021 |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10932342/filing-history |publisher=Midland Metro Ltd| date=14 December 2021 |access-date=26 December 2021 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
|-
|-
| colspan="13" style="text-align:left;" |{{notelist}}
| colspan="13" style="text-align:left;" |{{notelist}}
Line 447: Line 453:
| 5.4M
| 5.4M
|-
|-
| style="background:#fff; font-size:90%;" colspan="8" |Estimates from the [[Department for Transport]]<ref name="dftjour">{{cite web |title=Passenger journeys on light rail and trams and undergrounds by system: Great Britain - annual from 1983/84 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719478/lrt0101.ods |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=24 August 2022 |format=downloadable .ods [[OpenDocument]] file}}</ref>
| style="background:#fff; font-size:90%;" colspan="8" |Estimates from the [[Department for Transport]]<ref name="dftjour">{{cite web |title=Passenger journeys on light rail and trams and undergrounds by system: Great Britain - annual from 1983/84 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719478/lrt0101.ods |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=24 August 2022 |format=downloadable .ods [[OpenDocument]] file |language = en-gb}}</ref>
|}
|}


[[File:Midland Metro tram no. 20 on display at St. Georges, Bilston Street, Wolverhampton, geograph-4026763-by-P-L-Chadwick.jpg|thumb|An Urbos 3 tram on display at [[Wolverhampton St George's tram stop|Wolverhampton St George's]] in June 2014, in the old livery]]
[[File:Midland Metro tram no. 20 on display at St. Georges, Bilston Street, Wolverhampton, geograph-4026763-by-P-L-Chadwick.jpg|thumb|An Urbos 3 tram on display at [[Wolverhampton St George's tram stop|Wolverhampton St George's]] in June 2014, in the old livery]]
[[File:MidlandMetroGenericSymbol.svg|thumb|130px|The shared West Midlands branding, here blue for metro]]
[[File:MidlandMetroGenericSymbol.svg|thumb|130px|The shared West Midlands branding, here blue for metro]]
Usage on the initial line averaged about five million passenger journeys annually, but numbers remained static for many years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |format=PDF |date=October 2009 |title=Midland Metro – City Centre Extension & Fleet Replacement – Strategic Case |page=21 |publisher=Centro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303034855/http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |archive-date=3 March 2013 }}</ref> This was not seen as successful,<ref name=callformetro/><ref name=stevenleigh>{{cite web |last=Leigh |first=Stephen |title=Midland Metro, A Personal Farewell |url= http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/midlandfarewell.html |publisher= British Trams Online |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref> as 14 to 20 million passengers per year had been projected.<ref name=stevenleigh/><ref name="ansaldolaingdoarunner"/>
Usage on the initial line averaged about five million passenger journeys annually, but numbers remained static for many years.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |date=October 2009 |title=Midland Metro – City Centre Extension & Fleet Replacement – Strategic Case |page=21 |publisher=Centro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303034855/http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |archive-date=3 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref> This was not seen as successful,<ref name=callformetro/><ref name=stevenleigh>{{cite web |last=Leigh |first=Stephen |title=Midland Metro, A Personal Farewell |url= http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/midlandfarewell.html |publisher= British Trams Online |access-date=17 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref> as 14 to 20{{nbsp}}million passengers per year had been projected.<ref name=stevenleigh/><ref name="ansaldolaingdoarunner"/>


Numerous reasons were suggested for the underperformance, including: that the line has lacked visibility, being confined to Snow Hill station at the edge of Birmingham city centre; that there are quicker trains running between Birmingham and Wolverhampton; that the line did not serve [[Birmingham New Street railway station|New Street station]] or any of Birmingham's major visitor attractions (except for the [[Jewellery Quarter]], already well-served by suburban trains).<ref name=callformetro>{{cite news |title= Call for Metro to reach to city centre |url= http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/call-metro-reach-city-centre-3999570 |work=Birmingham Post |date=24 May 2005 |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref><ref name=stevenleigh/> Nonetheless, overcrowding sometimes occurred on trams at peak hours.<ref>{{cite news |title= Midland Metro line from Birmingham to Wolverhampton to close at Easter for £128m revamp |url= http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/midland-metro-line-close-easter-1319298 |work=[[Birmingham Mail]] |date=14 February 2013 |author= Bentley, David |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
Numerous reasons were suggested for the underperformance, including: that the line has lacked visibility, being confined to Snow Hill station at the edge of Birmingham city centre; that there are quicker trains running between Birmingham and Wolverhampton; that the line did not serve [[Birmingham New Street railway station|New Street station]] or any of Birmingham's major visitor attractions (except for the [[Jewellery Quarter]], already well-served by suburban trains).<ref name=callformetro>{{cite news |title= Call for Metro to reach to city centre |url= http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/call-metro-reach-city-centre-3999570 |work=Birmingham Post |date=24 May 2005 |access-date=17 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name=stevenleigh/> Nonetheless, overcrowding sometimes occurred on trams at peak hours.<ref>{{cite news |title= Midland Metro line from Birmingham to Wolverhampton to close at Easter for £128m revamp |url= http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/midland-metro-line-close-easter-1319298 |work=[[Birmingham Mail]] |date=14 February 2013 |last= Bentley |first= David |access-date=17 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


Passenger numbers increased sharply following the opening of the extension into Birmingham city centre in June 2016,<ref name="Passnumthird">{{cite news|title=Midland Metro numbers jump by a third after Birmingham extension|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport-news/2017/03/18/midland-metro-numbers-jump-by-a-third-after-birmingham-extension/|newspaper=Express & Star|access-date=23 March 2017}}</ref> with figures for 2016/17 exceeding six million for the first time.<ref name="16/17DfTstats">{{cite web|title=Light Rail and Tram Statistics: England 2016/17|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/623366/light-rail-tram-ending-march-2017.pdf|publisher=Department for Transport|access-date=30 June 2017}}</ref>
Passenger numbers increased sharply following the opening of the extension into Birmingham city centre in June 2016,<ref name="Passnumthird">{{cite news |title=Midland Metro numbers jump by a third after Birmingham extension |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport-news/2017/03/18/midland-metro-numbers-jump-by-a-third-after-birmingham-extension/ |newspaper=Express & Star |access-date=23 March 2017 |language = en-gb}}</ref> with figures for 2016/17 exceeding six million for the first time.<ref name="16/17DfTstats">{{cite web |title=Light Rail and Tram Statistics: England 2016/17 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/623366/light-rail-tram-ending-march-2017.pdf |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=30 June 2017 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


===Branding and livery===
===Branding and livery===


The original Midland Metro branding consisted of a blue, green and red livery on tram vehicles with yellow doors. Upon the change to National Express operation in 2006, Midland Metro was rebranded with [[Network West Midlands]] livery, then a sub-brand of the transport authority [[West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive|Centro]], and trams were painted in a magenta and silver livery with blue doors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Midland Metro: Trams |url=https://www.thetrams.co.uk/midlandmetro/trams/ |website=TheTrams.co.uk |access-date=30 August 2019}}</ref>
The original Midland Metro branding consisted of a blue, green and red livery on tram vehicles with yellow doors. Upon the change to National Express operation in 2006, Midland Metro was rebranded with [[Network West Midlands]] livery, then a sub-brand of the transport authority [[West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive|Centro]], and trams were painted in a magenta and silver livery with blue doors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Midland Metro: Trams |url=https://www.thetrams.co.uk/midlandmetro/trams/ |website=TheTrams.co.uk |access-date=30 August 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


Since 2017, West Midlands Metro has adopted [[Co-branding|shared branding]] with other [[transport mode]]s consisting of a common hexagonal [[logo]] formed from the letters ''WM''. This common brand has been introduced in order to create a common identity for an integrated transport system for the region. Each mode bears a coloured variant of the logo: blue for trams, red for buses, orange for trains, magenta for roads, purple for taxis and green for cycling and walking initiatives. The primary typeface is LL Circular by [[Lineto]].<ref name="tfwm-brand">{{cite web |last1=Transport |first1=Transport for West Midlands: Transforming Public |title=A brand for the West Midlands – TfWM reveals new public transport identity |url=https://www.tfwm.org.uk/news/a-brand-for-the-west-midlands-tfwm-reveals-new-public-transport-identity/ |website=Transport for West Midlands |access-date=30 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="wmnw-brand">{{cite web |title=WM Network Brand Guidelines |url=https://wmca.assetbank-server.com/assetbank-wmca/action/viewAsset?id=134&index=0&total=1&categoryId=95&categoryTypeId=2&collection=Guidelines&sortAttributeId=0&sortDescending=false |website=WMCA Media Assets |publisher=West Midlands Combined Authority |access-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024093323/https://wmca.assetbank-server.com/assetbank-wmca/action/viewAsset?id=134&index=0&total=1&categoryId=95&categoryTypeId=2&collection=Guidelines&sortAttributeId=0&sortDescending=false |archive-date=24 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
Since 2017, West Midlands Metro has adopted [[Co-branding|shared branding]] with other [[transport mode]]s consisting of a common hexagonal [[logo]] formed from the letters ''WM''. This common brand has been introduced in order to create a common identity for an integrated transport system for the region. Each mode bears a coloured variant of the logo: blue for trams, red for buses, orange for trains, magenta for roads, purple for taxis and green for cycling and walking initiatives. The primary typeface is LL Circular by [[Lineto]].<ref name="tfwm-brand">{{cite web |last1=Transport |first1=Transport for West Midlands: Transforming Public |title=A brand for the West Midlands – TfWM reveals new public transport identity |url=https://www.tfwm.org.uk/news/a-brand-for-the-west-midlands-tfwm-reveals-new-public-transport-identity/ |website=Transport for West Midlands |access-date=30 August 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name="wmnw-brand">{{cite web |title=WM Network Brand Guidelines |url=https://wmca.assetbank-server.com/assetbank-wmca/action/viewAsset?id=134&index=0&total=1&categoryId=95&categoryTypeId=2&collection=Guidelines&sortAttributeId=0&sortDescending=false |website=WMCA Media Assets |publisher=West Midlands Combined Authority |access-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024093323/https://wmca.assetbank-server.com/assetbank-wmca/action/viewAsset?id=134&index=0&total=1&categoryId=95&categoryTypeId=2&collection=Guidelines&sortAttributeId=0&sortDescending=false |archive-date=24 October 2019 |url-status=live |language = en-gb}}</ref>


==Expansion plans==
==Expansion plans==
The Midland Metro Alliance was set up in 2017 by WMCA as a long-term [[framework agreement]] with transport contractors [[Colas Rail]], Barhale, Thomas Vale, Auctus Management Group, [[Egis Group|Egis Rail]], Tony Gee and Pell Frischman to design and construct future extensions of the West Midlands Metro system.<ref name="metroalliance">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://metroalliance.co.uk/about-us/ |website=Midland Metro Alliance |publisher=WMCA |access-date=30 August 2019}}</ref>
The Midland Metro Alliance was set up in 2017 by WMCA as a long-term [[framework agreement]] with transport contractors [[Colas Rail]], Barhale, Thomas Vale, Auctus Management Group, [[Egis Group|Egis Rail]], Tony Gee and Pell Frischman to design and construct future extensions of the West Midlands Metro system.<ref name="metroalliance">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://metroalliance.co.uk/about-us/ |website=Midland Metro Alliance |publisher=WMCA |access-date=30 August 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


Continuing on from the original route (Line 1), two extensions in three phases have since been opened in Birmingham:
An extension through Birmingham city centre opened in phases in 2015, 2019 and 2022. An extension through Wolverhampton city centre is also in progress with the same opening date along with a new line from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill through Dudley Town Centre; this is scheduled to open in 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Turton |first1=Andrew |title=Tram heads past Birmingham Town Hall on first test of West Midlands Metro line |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/08/30/tram-heads-past-birmingham-town-hall-on-first-test-of-west-midlands-metro-line/ |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Express & Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Parkes |first1=Thomas |title=Wolverhampton Pipers Row works 'in final stages' but still no date for completion |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/wolverhampton/2019/08/08/pipers-row-roadworks-in-wolverhampton-in-final-stages/ |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Express & Star |language=en}}</ref>

* The '''Birmingham City Centre extension''' was completed in 2015 and opened in 2016, roughly coinciding with the opening of a renovated [[Birmingham New Street railway station|Birmingham New Street station]]. This moved the Birmingham terminus (and primary interchange) from [[Birmingham Snow Hill railway station|Snow Hill]] to New Street, located on Stephenson Street and called [[Grand Central tram stop|Grand Central]].
* The '''Birmingham Westside extension''' was constructed in two phases. Phase 1, which extended the line from New Street to [[Birmingham Library tram stop|Birmingham Library]], opened in 2019. Phase 2, which extended the line from the Library to [[Edgbaston Village tram stop|Edgbaston Village]] near [[Five Ways, Birmingham|Five Ways]], opened in 2022.

The '''Birmingham Eastside extension''' is currently under construction. This new branch line, diverging between [[Bull Street tram stop|Bull Street]] and [[Corporation Street tram stop|Corporation Street]] tram stops, is expected to open with a temporary terminus at [[Moor Street Queensway tram stop|Moor Street Queensway]] in 2024 or 2025 until track can be laid on the site [[High Speed 2|HS2's]] [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station|Curzon Street]] terminus. Work on the extension has been completed on the other side of the site, continuing on to [[Digbeth tram stop|Digbeth]].

The '''Wolverhampton city centre extension''' was completed in September 2023. The same opening date was given for a new line from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill through Dudley Town Centre; this is scheduled to open in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Turton |first1=Andrew |title=Tram heads past Birmingham Town Hall on first test of West Midlands Metro line |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/08/30/tram-heads-past-birmingham-town-hall-on-first-test-of-west-midlands-metro-line/ |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Express & Star |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Parkes |first1=Thomas |title=Wolverhampton Pipers Row works 'in final stages' but still no date for completion |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/wolverhampton/2019/08/08/pipers-row-roadworks-in-wolverhampton-in-final-stages/ |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=Express & Star |language = en-gb}}</ref>


{{multiple image
{{multiple image
| header = West Midlands Metro extensions
| header = West Midlands Metro extensions
| total_width = 700
| total_width = 700
| align = center
| align = center
| image1 = West Midlands Metro schematic.png
| image1 = West Midlands Metro schematic.png
| alt1 = West Midlands Metro schematic map showing planned and proposed extensions
| alt1 = West Midlands Metro schematic map showing planned and proposed extensions
| caption1 = Schematic map showing planned and proposed extensions
| caption1 = Schematic map showing planned and proposed extensions
| image2 = Midland Metro Line 1 Birmingham Extensions Map.png
| image2 = Midland Metro Line 1 Birmingham Extensions Map.png
| alt2 = Map of Birmingham extensions to Line 1
| alt2 = Map of Birmingham Westside extensions
| caption2 = Line 1 extension works in Birmingham City Centre
| caption2 = Birmingham Westside extension works
| image3 = Map of The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Tram Extension.webp
| image3 = Map of The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Tram Extension.webp
| alt3 = Map of The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Tram Extension
| alt3 = Map of The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Tram extension
| caption3 = Line 2 extension Wednesbury–Brierley Hill (incl. Stourbridge)
| caption3 = Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension works (incl. future Stourbridge link)
}}{{clear}}
}}
{{clear}}


===Birmingham extensions===
===Birmingham extensions===
Line 491: Line 505:
Until 2015, the southern end of the Metro line terminated at [[Birmingham Snow Hill railway station|Snow Hill station]], on the periphery of [[Birmingham city centre]]. From its inception, Midland Metro had failed to attain projected passenger numbers and to operate at a profit, and this was attributed to the fact that the line could not carry passengers all the way into the urban centre.<ref name=callformetro/> The Birmingham City Centre Extension (BCCE) was conceived to solve this problem by extending the route into the streets of central Birmingham.
Until 2015, the southern end of the Metro line terminated at [[Birmingham Snow Hill railway station|Snow Hill station]], on the periphery of [[Birmingham city centre]]. From its inception, Midland Metro had failed to attain projected passenger numbers and to operate at a profit, and this was attributed to the fact that the line could not carry passengers all the way into the urban centre.<ref name=callformetro/> The Birmingham City Centre Extension (BCCE) was conceived to solve this problem by extending the route into the streets of central Birmingham.


This extension serves to facilitate the expansion of the metro network through Birmingham's Eastside and Westside. Originally it was planned to terminate the extension at Stephenson Street, adjacent to [[Birmingham New Street railway station|New Street railway station]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Birmingham City Centre Extension and Fleet Replacement |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/CityCentreExtension.aspx |publisher=Centro.org.uk |access-date=13 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301092209/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/CityCentreExtension.aspx |archive-date=1 March 2013 }}</ref> but the plans were revised to continue the extension to [[Library tram stop|Birmingham Library]], and eventually as far as [[Five Ways, Birmingham|Five Ways]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Centro unveils plans to extend the Metro to Centenary Square|url=http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/512501-centro-unveils-plans-to-extend-the-metro-to-centenary-square.html#|publisher=The Business Desk|access-date=15 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/major-step-forward-midland-metro-6184070 |title= Major step forward for Midland Metro plans |author= Brown, Graeme |date=15 October 2013 |work= Birmingham Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=Planning-Management%2FPageLayout&cid=1223092741451&pagename=BCC%2FCommon%2FWrapper%2FWrapper|date=27 June 2014 |title= Birmingham City Council Midland Metro}}</ref> A [[Transport and Works Act 1992|Transport and Works Order]] authorising the BCCE was made in July 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051794.htm |title=The Midland Metro (Birmingham City Centre Extension, etc.) Order 2005 |publisher=[[Office of Public Sector Information]] |year=2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123114603/http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051794.htm |archive-date=23 January 2008 }}</ref> and Government approval was given in February 2012. A new fleet of trams and a new depot at Wednesbury were also authorised, with a budget of £128{{nbsp}}million, of which £75{{nbsp}}million was to be funded by the [[Department for Transport]] (DfT).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/02/16/128m-birmingham-midland-metro-extension-from-snow-hill-station-to-new-street-station-set-to-create-1-300-jobs-gets-go-ahead-97319-30343973/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803214416/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/02/16/128m-birmingham-midland-metro-extension-from-snow-hill-station-to-new-street-station-set-to-create-1-300-jobs-gets-go-ahead-97319-30343973/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 August 2012 |title=£128m Birmingham Midland Metro extension from Snow Hill Station to New Street Station set to create 1,300 jobs gets go-ahead |first=Jonathan |last=Walker |work=Birmingham Mail |date=16 February 2012 |access-date=16 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Construction of Midland Metro extension to begin |publisher=Department for Transport |date=16 February 2012 |url=http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=423315&SubjectId=2 |access-date=16 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427170720/http://nds.coi.gov.uk//content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=423315&SubjectId=2 |archive-date=27 April 2012 }}</ref> Extension works began in June 2012.<ref name=bp>{{cite news |title= Transport minister launches scheme to extend Midland Metro to Birmingham New Street |url= http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-transport-news/2012/06/14/transport-minister-launches-scheme-to-extend-the-midland-metro-to-birmingham-new-street-65233-31178982/|date=14 June 2012 |work=Birmingham Post |access-date=14 June 2012 |first=Matt |last=Lloyd}}</ref> The first phase of the extension, to Bull Street, was completed in December 2015; it was the first time in 62 years that trams were serving passengers on the streets of central Birmingham.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First Tram on the Streets of Birmingham Since 1953 |url=https://www.itv.com/news/central/story/2015-12-06/first-tram-on-the-streets-of-birmingham-since-1953/ |website=itv.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Passenger carrying trams return to Birmingham City Centre for first time in 62 years |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2015/12/07/passenger-carrying-trams-return-to-birmingham-city-centre-for-first-time-in-62-years |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=www.railmagazine.com |language=en}}</ref>
This extension serves to facilitate the expansion of the metro network through Birmingham's Eastside and Westside. Originally it was planned to terminate the extension at Stephenson Street, adjacent to [[Birmingham New Street railway station|New Street railway station]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Birmingham City Centre Extension and Fleet Replacement |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/CityCentreExtension.aspx |publisher=Centro.org.uk |access-date=13 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301092209/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/CityCentreExtension.aspx |archive-date=1 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref> but the plans were revised to continue the extension to [[Library tram stop|Birmingham Library]], and eventually as far as [[Five Ways, Birmingham|Five Ways]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Centro unveils plans to extend the Metro to Centenary Square |url=http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/512501-centro-unveils-plans-to-extend-the-metro-to-centenary-square.html# |publisher=The Business Desk |access-date=15 October 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/local-news/major-step-forward-midland-metro-6184070 |title= Major step forward for Midland Metro plans |last= Brown |first= Graeme |date=15 October 2013 |work= Birmingham Post |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=Planning-Management%2FPageLayout&cid=1223092741451&pagename=BCC%2FCommon%2FWrapper%2FWrapper|date=27 June 2014 |title= Birmingham City Council Midland Metro |language = en-gb}}</ref> A [[Transport and Works Act 1992|Transport and Works Order]] authorising the BCCE was made in July 2005,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051794.htm |title=The Midland Metro (Birmingham City Centre Extension, etc.) Order 2005 |publisher=[[Office of Public Sector Information]] |year=2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123114603/http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051794.htm |archive-date=23 January 2008 |language = en-gb}}</ref> and Government approval was given in February 2012. A new fleet of trams and a new depot at Wednesbury were also authorised, with a budget of £128{{nbsp}}million, of which £75{{nbsp}}million was to be funded by the [[Department for Transport]] (DfT).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/02/16/128m-birmingham-midland-metro-extension-from-snow-hill-station-to-new-street-station-set-to-create-1-300-jobs-gets-go-ahead-97319-30343973/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803214416/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2012/02/16/128m-birmingham-midland-metro-extension-from-snow-hill-station-to-new-street-station-set-to-create-1-300-jobs-gets-go-ahead-97319-30343973/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 August 2012 |title=£128m Birmingham Midland Metro extension from Snow Hill Station to New Street Station set to create 1,300 jobs gets go-ahead |first=Jonathan |last=Walker |work=Birmingham Mail |date=16 February 2012 |access-date=16 February 2012 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Construction of Midland Metro extension to begin |publisher=Department for Transport |date=16 February 2012 |url=http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=423315&SubjectId=2 |access-date=16 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427170720/http://nds.coi.gov.uk//content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=423315&SubjectId=2 |archive-date=27 April 2012 |language = en-gb}}</ref> Extension works began in June 2012.<ref name=bp>{{cite news |title= Transport minister launches scheme to extend Midland Metro to Birmingham New Street |url= http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-transport-news/2012/06/14/transport-minister-launches-scheme-to-extend-the-midland-metro-to-birmingham-new-street-65233-31178982/|date=14 June 2012 |work=Birmingham Post |access-date=14 June 2012 |first=Matt |last=Lloyd |language = en-gb}}</ref> The first phase of the extension, to Bull Street, was completed in December 2015; it was the first time in 62 years that trams were serving passengers on the streets of central Birmingham.<ref>{{Cite web |title=First Tram on the Streets of Birmingham Since 1953 |url=https://www.itv.com/news/central/story/2015-12-06/first-tram-on-the-streets-of-birmingham-since-1953/ |website=itv.com |date = 6 December 2015 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Passenger carrying trams return to Birmingham City Centre for first time in 62 years |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2015/12/07/passenger-carrying-trams-return-to-birmingham-city-centre-for-first-time-in-62-years |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=railmagazine.com |language = en-gb}}</ref>


The extension from {{tram|St Chads}} to {{tram|Grand Central}} was completed in 2016. This extension used a new route to the east of Snow Hill station which diverged from the original line along a new [[viaduct]] and descended to street level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |title=Strategic Case |publisher=Centro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303034855/http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |archive-date=3 March 2013 }}</ref> The former tram terminus inside Snow Hill station was closed, releasing a fourth platform at Snow Hill to be reinstated for mainline railway use although {{as of|June 2021|lc=y}}, little work has been carried out at the former terminus. Interchange between National Rail services and trams is now provided at {{tram|Bull Street}}, approximately {{convert|320|m|ft}} from Snow Hill station.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2009/Route%2017%20-%20West%20Midlands.pdf |title=Connecting Local Communities |publisher=Network Rail |year=2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rail.co/2011/03/31/new-rail-station-entrance-boosts-access-to-birmingham/ |title=New rail station entrance boosts access to Birmingham |last1=Samuel |first1=A. |date=31 March 2011 |work=Rail.co |access-date=31 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320215236/http://www.rail.co/2011/03/31/new-rail-station-entrance-boosts-access-to-birmingham/ |archive-date=20 March 2012 }}</ref> From Snow Hill a new tramway was built along Colmore Circus, Upper Bull Street, [[Corporation Street, Birmingham|Corporation Street]] and Stephenson Street, terminating at {{tram|Grand Central}}, which opened on 30 May 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.centro.org.uk/transport/metro/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305103348/http://www.centro.org.uk/transport/metro |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 March 2014 |title=Metro - Metro |website=Centro.org.uk |date=17 June 2016 |access-date=21 July 2016 }}</ref> A temporary reversing spur was built in Stephenson Street to allow trams to turn back for the return journey to Wolverhampton. On 19 November 2015, [[Elizabeth II|The Queen]] visited Birmingham and named one of the new trams.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-34865657 |title=Queen officially reopens New Street station on Birmingham tour |work=BBC News |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> despite only being in use for five years, this track and the concrete trackbed was removed pending replacement, from May 2021.<ref name="Young-21205889">{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Graham |title=20 pictures of the Corporation Street tram rubble after one week of rebuilding |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/gallery/20-pictures-corporation-street-tram-21205889 |access-date=7 August 2021 |work=BirminghamLive |date=6 August 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
The extension from {{tram|St Chads}} to {{tram|Grand Central}} was completed in 2016. This extension used a new route to the east of Snow Hill station which diverged from the original line along a new [[viaduct]] and descended to street level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |title=Strategic Case |publisher=Centro |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303034855/http://www.centro.org.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.aspx?lID=2531&sID=4972 |archive-date=3 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref> The former tram terminus inside Snow Hill station was closed, releasing a fourth platform at Snow Hill to be reinstated for mainline railway use although {{as of|June 2021|lc=y}}, little work has been carried out at the former terminus. Interchange between National Rail services and trams is now provided at {{tram|Bull Street}}, approximately {{convert|320|m|ft}} from Snow Hill station.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2009/Route%2017%20-%20West%20Midlands.pdf |title=Connecting Local Communities |publisher=Network Rail |year=2009 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rail.co/2011/03/31/new-rail-station-entrance-boosts-access-to-birmingham/ |title=New rail station entrance boosts access to Birmingham |last1=Samuel |first1=A. |date=31 March 2011 |work=Rail.co |access-date=31 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320215236/http://www.rail.co/2011/03/31/new-rail-station-entrance-boosts-access-to-birmingham/ |archive-date=20 March 2012 |language = en-gb}}</ref> From Snow Hill a new tramway was built along Colmore Circus, Upper Bull Street, [[Corporation Street, Birmingham|Corporation Street]], and Stephenson Place, terminating at {{tram|Grand Central}}. This opened on 30 May 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.centro.org.uk/transport/metro/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305103348/http://www.centro.org.uk/transport/metro |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 March 2014 |title=Metro - Metro |website=Centro.org.uk |date=17 June 2016 |access-date=21 July 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref> A temporary reversing spur was built in Stephenson Street to allow trams to turn back for the return journey to Wolverhampton. On 19 November 2015, [[Elizabeth II|The Queen]] visited Birmingham and named one of the new trams.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-34865657 |title=Queen officially reopens New Street station on Birmingham tour |publisher=BBC News |access-date=21 July 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref> Despite only being in use for five years, this track and the concrete trackbed was removed and replaced in May 2021.<ref name="Young-21205889">{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Graham |title=20 pictures of the Corporation Street tram rubble after one week of rebuilding |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/gallery/20-pictures-corporation-street-tram-21205889 |access-date=7 August 2021 |work=BirminghamLive |date=6 August 2021 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


====Birmingham Westside extension====
====Birmingham Westside extension====
{{West-Midlands-Metro-Birmingham-Westside-extension|collapse=yes}}
{{West-Midlands-Metro-Birmingham-Westside-extension|collapse=yes}}
{{anchor|Westside extension}}The extension from Grand Central to [[Library tram stop|Library]] began on 5 September 2017.<ref>[https://www.tfwm.org.uk/news/iron-man-kicks-off-next-phase-of-midland-metro-tram-expansion/ Iron Man kicks off next phase of Midland Metro expansion] Transport for West Midlands 5 September 2017</ref> and was opened to passenger service in December 2019. Trams now run from Stephenson Street along Pinfold Street, through [[Victoria Square, Birmingham|Victoria Square]] with a new stop at [[Town Hall tram stop|Town Hall]], along Paradise Street and [[Broad Street, Birmingham|Broad Street]], and terminated at [[Library tram stop|Library]] in Centenary Square until 16 July 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Midland Metro, Birmingham Centenary Square Extension |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/CentenaryExtension/CentenarySquareExtension-Details.aspx |publisher=Centro |access-date=24 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230149/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/CentenaryExtension/CentenarySquareExtension-Details.aspx |archive-date=2 December 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name="mail-11122019">{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Graham |title=Midland Metro trams are now running to Centenary Square in Broad Street |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/first-ride-new-midland-metro-17399774 |access-date=12 December 2019 |work=Birmingham Mail |date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211194739/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/first-ride-new-midland-metro-17399774 |archive-date=11 December 2019 |url-status=live |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://westmidlandsmetro.com/2019/12/11/birmingham-city-centre-tram-extension-opens-to-passengers-ahead-of-schedule/ |title=Birmingham city centre tram extension opens to passengers ahead of schedule |publisher=West Midlands Metro |date=11 December 2019 |access-date=11 December 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
{{anchor|Westside extension}}
The extension from Grand Central to [[Library tram stop|Library]] began on 5 September 2017.<ref>[https://www.tfwm.org.uk/news/iron-man-kicks-off-next-phase-of-midland-metro-tram-expansion/ Iron Man kicks off next phase of Midland Metro expansion] Transport for West Midlands 5 September 2017</ref> and was opened to passenger service in December 2019. Trams now run from Stephenson Street along Pinfold Street, through [[Victoria Square, Birmingham|Victoria Square]] with a new stop at [[Town Hall tram stop|Town Hall]], along Paradise Street and [[Broad Street, Birmingham|Broad Street]], and terminated at [[Library tram stop|Library]] in Centenary Square until 16 July 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Midland Metro, Birmingham Centenary Square Extension |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/CentenaryExtension/CentenarySquareExtension-Details.aspx |publisher=Centro |access-date=24 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202230149/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/CentenaryExtension/CentenarySquareExtension-Details.aspx |archive-date=2 December 2013 }}</ref><ref name="mail-11122019">{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Graham |title=Midland Metro trams are now running to Centenary Square in Broad Street |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/first-ride-new-midland-metro-17399774 |access-date=12 December 2019 |work=Birmingham Mail |date=11 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211194739/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/first-ride-new-midland-metro-17399774 |archive-date=11 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://westmidlandsmetro.com/2019/12/11/birmingham-city-centre-tram-extension-opens-to-passengers-ahead-of-schedule/|title=Birmingham city centre tram extension opens to passengers ahead of schedule|publisher=West Midlands Metro|date=11 December 2019|access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref>


The Birmingham Westside extension will continue the line from Birmingham Library along Broad Street to Hagley Road in Edgbaston (just west of Five Ways). Additional [[local enterprise partnership]] funding was made available in 2014 for the extension from Five Ways to {{tram|Edgbaston}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Birmingham Westside Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance |url=http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-westside-extension/ |publisher=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=31 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://centreofenterprise.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/32-Business-Case.pdf |title=Midland Metro Extension – Centenary Square to Edgbaston |website=Centreofenterprise.com |access-date=21 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729173225/http://centreofenterprise.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/32-Business-Case.pdf |archive-date=29 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://centreofenterprise.com/2014/07/06/midland-metro-extension-to-edgbaston-birmingham/ |title=Midland Metro – Extension to Edgbaston (Birmingham) &#124; GBSLEP |website=Centreofenterprise.com |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=21 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161413/http://centreofenterprise.com/2014/07/06/midland-metro-extension-to-edgbaston-birmingham/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The extension opened in July 2022 with new tram stops at {{tram|Brindleyplace}}, {{tram|Five Ways}} and {{tram|Edgbaston}}.<ref>[https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-west-midlands-metro-trams-24500197 New West Midlands Metro trams route from Library to Edgbaston set to begin this weekend] ''[[Birmingham Mail]]'' 15 July 2022</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220716104757/https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/birmingham/2022/07/15/metro-extension-to-edgbaston-to-open/ Metro extension to Edgbaston to open this Sunday] ''Express & Star'' 15 July 2022</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220716105121/https://westmidlandsmetro.com/west-midlands-metro-extension-to-edgbaston-opens-on-sunday/ West Midlands Metro extension to Edgbaston opens this Sunday] West Midlands Metro 16 July 2022</ref>
The Birmingham Westside extension will continue the line from Birmingham Library along Broad Street to Hagley Road in Edgbaston (just west of Five Ways). Additional [[local enterprise partnership]] funding was made available in 2014 for the extension from Five Ways to {{tram|Edgbaston}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Birmingham Westside Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance |url=http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-westside-extension/ |publisher=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=31 August 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://centreofenterprise.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/32-Business-Case.pdf |title=Midland Metro Extension – Centenary Square to Edgbaston |website=Centreofenterprise.com |access-date=21 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729173225/http://centreofenterprise.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/32-Business-Case.pdf |archive-date=29 July 2014 |url-status=dead |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://centreofenterprise.com/2014/07/06/midland-metro-extension-to-edgbaston-birmingham/ |title=Midland Metro – Extension to Edgbaston (Birmingham) &#124; GBSLEP |website=Centreofenterprise.com |date=30 June 2016 |access-date=21 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161413/http://centreofenterprise.com/2014/07/06/midland-metro-extension-to-edgbaston-birmingham/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=dead |language = en-gb}}</ref> The extension opened in July 2022 with new tram stops at {{tram|Brindleyplace}}, {{tram|Five Ways}}, and {{tram|Edgbaston}}.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-west-midlands-metro-trams-24500197 |title = New West Midlands Metro trams route from Library to Edgbaston set to begin this weekend |newspaper = [[Birmingham Mail]] |date = 15 July 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/birmingham/2022/07/15/metro-extension-to-edgbaston-to-open/ |title = Metro extension to Edgbaston to open this Sunday |newspaper = Express & Star |date = 15 July 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220716104757/https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/birmingham/2022/07/15/metro-extension-to-edgbaston-to-open/ |archive-date = 16 July 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://westmidlandsmetro.com/west-midlands-metro-extension-to-edgbaston-opens-on-sunday/ |title = West Midlands Metro extension to Edgbaston opens this Sunday |publisher = West Midlands Metro |date = 16 July 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220716105121/https://westmidlandsmetro.com/west-midlands-metro-extension-to-edgbaston-opens-on-sunday/ |archive-date = 16 July 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


====Birmingham Eastside extension====
====Birmingham Eastside extension====
{{West-Midlands-Metro-Birmingham-Eastside-extension|collapse=yes}}
{{West-Midlands-Metro-Birmingham-Eastside-extension}}
{{anchor|Eastside extension}}
{{anchor|Birmingham Eastside extension}}
[[File:Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension under construction.jpg|thumb|Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension under construction in 2024 near [[Birmingham Coach Station]]]]
[[File:Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension under construction.jpg|thumb|Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension under construction in 2024 near [[Birmingham Coach Station]]]]
In November 2013, Centro announced a proposal for a tram or [[bus rapid transit]] route from Birmingham city centre to Coventry, with a loop connecting the [[Birmingham Airport]] with Birmingham city centre via [[Small Heath]] and [[Lea Hall]], and a line to {{rws|Coventry}}, however Coventry may be connected to the Metro by a line of the [[Coventry Very Light Rail]], which is planned to terminate at Birmingham Interchange HS2. The line would also serve the planned [[High Speed 2]] interchange at {{rws|Birmingham Curzon Street}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tram line could link Coventry and Birmingham |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-24899547 |work=BBC News |date=12 November 2013 |access-date=13 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Birmingham to Coventry Metro Line Being Considered |url= http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/birmingham-coventry-metro-line-being-6287104 |work=Birmingham Post |author=Elkes, Neil |date=8 November 2013 |access-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> In February 2014, it was announced that funding had been secured for the first phase of the Line 2 Eastside extension as far as Curzon Street,<ref name="birminghampost.co.uk">{{cite news|last=Brown |first=Graeme |url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/business-news/50m-invested-take-midland-metro-6750287 |title=£50m invested to take Midland Metro to Curzon Street |newspaper=[[Birmingham Post]] |date=27 February 2014 |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> before a terminus at Adderley Street.<ref name="birminghampost.co.uk"/>
In November 2013, Centro announced a proposal for a tram or [[bus rapid transit]] route from Birmingham city centre to Coventry, with a loop connecting the [[Birmingham Airport]] with Birmingham city centre via [[Small Heath]] and [[Lea Hall]], and a line to {{rws|Coventry}}, however Coventry may be connected to the Metro by a line of the [[Coventry Very Light Rail]], which is planned to terminate at Birmingham Interchange HS2. The line would also serve the planned [[High Speed 2]] interchange at {{rws|Birmingham Curzon Street}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tram line could link Coventry and Birmingham |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-24899547 |publisher=BBC News |date=12 November 2013 |access-date=13 November 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Birmingham to Coventry Metro Line Being Considered |url= http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/news/birmingham-coventry-metro-line-being-6287104 |work=Birmingham Post |author=Elkes, Neil |date=8 November 2013 |access-date=11 November 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref> In February 2014, it was announced that funding had been secured for the first phase of the Line 2 Eastside extension as far as Curzon Street,<ref name="birminghampost.co.uk">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Graeme |url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/business-news/50m-invested-take-midland-metro-6750287 |title=£50m invested to take Midland Metro to Curzon Street |newspaper=[[Birmingham Post]] |date=27 February 2014 |access-date=21 July 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref> before a terminus at Adderley Street.<ref name="birminghampost.co.uk"/>


The new will branch off from the existing route at a junction at meeting point of Bull St and Corporation St. In 2014, Centro considered two proposed routes, one running via Bull Street and Carrs Lane and serving [[Birmingham Moor Street railway station|Moor Street station]], and a more direct route via Bull Street and Albert Street, bypassing Moor Street.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/other-metro-extensions/birmingham-eastside/the-details/ |title=Birmingham Eastside Extension The details |access-date=15 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316021020/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/other-metro-extensions/birmingham-eastside/the-details/ |archive-date=16 March 2014 }}</ref>
The new route will branch off from the existing route at a junction at meeting point of Bull St and Corporation St. In 2014, Centro considered two proposed routes, one running via Bull Street and Carrs Lane and serving [[Birmingham Moor Street railway station|Moor Street station]], and a more direct route via Bull Street and Albert Street, bypassing Moor Street.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/other-metro-extensions/birmingham-eastside/the-details/ |title=Birmingham Eastside Extension The details |access-date=15 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316021020/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/other-metro-extensions/birmingham-eastside/the-details/ |archive-date=16 March 2014 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


A Transport and Works Act application was submitted by the Metro Alliance for the first phase of the Eastside extension, following the route via Albert Street and Curzon Street and terminating at [[Digbeth]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance |url=http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-eastside-extension/ |access-date=31 August 2019}}</ref>
A Transport and Works Act application was submitted by the Metro Alliance for the first phase of the Eastside extension, following the route via Albert Street and Curzon Street and terminating at [[Digbeth]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance |url=http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-eastside-extension/ |access-date=31 August 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


Construction of the first part of the Eastside extension, including a new tramway junction at Lower Bull St and Corporation St, began in June 2021. The first phase of the works involved utility upgrades and diversions in the area. The closure of Lower Bull Street was expected to be in place until Spring 2022,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Main construction of Eastside Metro extension to start in Lower Bull Street Midland Metro Alliance|date=31 March 2021 |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/main-construction-of-eastside-metro-extension-to-start-in-lower-bull-street/|access-date=2021-04-01}}</ref> but the street reopened in July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/its-been-long-two-years-27347457 |title='It's been a long two years' – Traders' relief as city centre road to reopen to traffic |last=Clarke |first=Nathan |date=19 July 2023 |work=Birmingham Mail |access-date=7 April 2024}}</ref> As of 2024, construction is underway from [[Bull Street tram stop|Bull Street]] to [[Digbeth]], via the HS2 [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station|Curzon Street station]].<ref name=ma-202205>{{cite web |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BEEFactsheetvFinalMay2022.pdf |title=Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension |website=Midland Metro Alliance |date=May 2022 |access-date=9 February 2024}}</ref> Plans are also in place for the extension to be partially opened up in 2025 or 2026 up to Moor Street Queensway.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/final-piece-of-track-welded-into-place-in-digbeth-as-metro-extension-reaches-milestone/ |title=Final piece of track welded into place in Digbeth as Metro extension reaches milestone |publisher=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=7 April 2024}}</ref>
Construction of the first part of the Eastside extension, including a new tramway junction at Lower Bull St and Corporation St, began in June 2021. The first phase of the works involved utility upgrades and diversions in the area. The closure of Lower Bull Street was expected to be in place until Spring 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Main construction of Eastside Metro extension to start in Lower Bull Street |publisher = Midland Metro Alliance |date=31 March 2021 |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/main-construction-of-eastside-metro-extension-to-start-in-lower-bull-street/ |access-date=1 April 2021 |language = en-gb}}</ref> but the street reopened in July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/its-been-long-two-years-27347457 |title='It's been a long two years' – Traders' relief as city centre road to reopen to traffic |last=Clarke |first=Nathan |date=19 July 2023 |work=Birmingham Mail |access-date=7 April 2024 |language = en-gb}}</ref> As of 2024, construction is underway from [[Bull Street tram stop|Bull Street]] to [[Digbeth]], via the HS2 [[Birmingham Curzon Street railway station|Curzon Street station]].<ref name=ma-202205>{{cite web |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BEEFactsheetvFinalMay2022.pdf |title=Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension |publisher=Midland Metro Alliance |date=May 2022 |access-date=9 February 2024 |language = en-gb}}</ref> Plans are also in place for the extension to be partially opened in 2025 or 2026 up to Moor Street Queensway.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/final-piece-of-track-welded-into-place-in-digbeth-as-metro-extension-reaches-milestone/ |title=Final piece of track welded into place in Digbeth as Metro extension reaches milestone |date=9 January 2024 |publisher=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=7 April 2024 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


===Wolverhampton City Centre extension===
====East Birmingham to Solihull extension====
{{West-Midlands-Metro-EBSE|collapse=}}
The East Birmingham to Solihull extension (EBSE) was originally investigated in 2004 as a {{convert|14|km|mi|abbr=in}} route to [[Birmingham Airport]] and [[National Exhibition Centre]], serving suburbs along the [[A45 road|A45]]. Journey time from central Birmingham ([[Bull Street tram stop|Bull Street]]) to the airport was estimated at 29{{nbsp}}minutes. This proposal has now been incorporated into the proposals for an expansion beyond the Digbeth terminus of the Eastside extension.<ref name="airportrouteprojectpage">{{cite web |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/BhamCityAirport.aspx |title=Airport Route |publisher=Centro |access-date=21 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513113546/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/BhamCityAirport.aspx |archive-date=13 May 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref>

As of March 2024, the route is planned to continue eastwards by approximately {{convert|17|km|mi|abbr=in}} to serve north [[Solihull]] via the [[Bordesley Green|B4128]] to terminate at the [[High Speed 2|HS2]] [[Birmingham Interchange|Birmingham Interchange station]], allowing passenger access by West Midlands Metro to the airport, National Exhibition Centre, [[Resorts World Birmingham|Resorts World]], and [[Resorts World Arena]] when open for passenger service.<ref>{{cite web |title=East Birmingham to Solihull Metro Extension |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/east-birmingham-solihull-extension/ |publisher=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=8 April 2024 |language = en-gb}}</ref> The proposed route would also pass directly by [[St Andrew's (stadium)|St Andrew's Stadium]], home of [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City FC]], intended as an alternative to [[Bordesley railway station|Bordesley station]].

===Wolverhampton extensions===
====Wolverhampton City Centre extension====
{{West-Midlands-Metro-Wolverhampton-extension|collapse=yes}}
{{West-Midlands-Metro-Wolverhampton-extension|collapse=yes}}
The northern part of the extension scheme was the addition of a tram line into Wolverhampton city centre. The laying of the new track was completed in December 2019 and it was anticipated that passenger services would commence in 2021 once the renovation of Wolverhampton railway station has been completed. However, the project has been delayed.
The northern part of the extension scheme was the addition of a tram line into Wolverhampton city centre. The laying of the new track was completed in December 2019 and it was anticipated that passenger services would commence in 2021 once the renovation of Wolverhampton railway station has been completed. However, the project has been delayed.


It was originally proposed in 2009 as a single-track loop running clockwise from the existing [[Wolverhampton St George's tram stop|St George's terminus]] via Princess Street, Lichfield Street and Pipers Row (for [[Wolverhampton bus station]]), with a spur to [[Wolverhampton Station tram stop|Wolverhampton station]]. The scheme had an estimated cost of £30{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolverhampton Loop |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/Wolverhampton_Loop.aspx |publisher=Centro |access-date=31 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208143322/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/Wolverhampton_Loop.aspx |archive-date=8 February 2010 |date=February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="express-02052012">{{cite news |title=£30m Midland Metro extension plan revived |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/05/02/30m-midland-metro-extension-plan-revived/ |access-date=31 August 2019 |work=Express & Star |date=2 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831085410/https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/05/02/30m-midland-metro-extension-plan-revived/ |archive-date=31 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref> In 2010 Centro considered revised proposals that involved an extended route along part of the [[Wolverhampton Ring Road]], serving the [[University of Wolverhampton]] campus.<ref name="loopy">{{cite news |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/07/03/midland-metro-extension-to-cost-50m/ |work=Express & Star |location =Wolverhampton |date=3 July 2010 |author= Wainwright, Daniel |title=Midland Metro extension to cost £50m}}</ref> The original loop scheme was selected and in 2012 Centro decided to proceed by constructing it in phases. A Transport and Works Act Order was approved in 2016,<ref>{{cite journal |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Wolves Metro Extension Approved |volume=73 |number=815 |page=21|journal=[[Modern Railways]]|publisher=Railway Study Association |date=August 2016 }}</ref> and in March 2014, a £2{{nbsp}}billion connectivity funding package was announced to support a number of transport projects, including phase 1 of the Wolverhampton extension.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown |first=Graeme |url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/commercial-property/mipim-2014-2bn-greater-birmingham-6803522 |title=MIPIM 2014: £2bn Greater Birmingham transport plans take centre stage |newspaper=[[Birmingham Post]] |date=12 March 2014 |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>
It was originally proposed in 2009 as a single-track loop running clockwise from the existing [[Wolverhampton St George's tram stop|St George's terminus]] via Princess Street, Lichfield Street and Pipers Row (for [[Wolverhampton bus station]]), with a spur to [[Wolverhampton Station tram stop|Wolverhampton station]]. An earlier plan would have served more of the city centre with the loop running along Lichfield Street, Queen Square, Victoria Street, Cleveland Street and Garrick Street to the Wolverhampton St George's tram stop. The 2009 scheme had an estimated cost of £30{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wolverhampton Loop |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/Wolverhampton_Loop.aspx |publisher=Centro |access-date=31 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208143322/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/Wolverhampton_Loop.aspx |archive-date=8 February 2010 |date=February 2009 |url-status=dead |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name="express-02052012">{{cite news |title=£30m Midland Metro extension plan revived |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/05/02/30m-midland-metro-extension-plan-revived/ |access-date=31 August 2019 |work=Express & Star |date=2 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831085410/https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/05/02/30m-midland-metro-extension-plan-revived/ |archive-date=31 August 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref> In 2010 Centro considered revised proposals that involved an extended route along part of the [[Wolverhampton Ring Road]], serving the [[University of Wolverhampton]] campus.<ref name="loopy">{{cite news |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2010/07/03/midland-metro-extension-to-cost-50m/ |work=Express & Star |location =Wolverhampton, UK |date=3 July 2010 |last= Wainwright |first= Daniel |title=Midland Metro extension to cost £50m |language = en-gb}}</ref> The original loop scheme was selected and in 2012 Centro decided to proceed by constructing it in phases. A Transport and Works Act Order was approved in 2016,<ref>{{cite journal |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Wolves Metro Extension Approved |volume=73 |number=815 |page=21|journal=[[Modern Railways]]|publisher=Railway Study Association |date=August 2016 }}</ref> and in March 2014, a £2{{nbsp}}billion connectivity funding package was announced to support a number of transport projects, including phase 1 of the Wolverhampton extension.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Graeme |url=http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/business/commercial-property/mipim-2014-2bn-greater-birmingham-6803522 |title=MIPIM 2014: £2bn Greater Birmingham transport plans take centre stage |newspaper=[[Birmingham Post]] |date=12 March 2014 |access-date=21 July 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


The first phase will see the construction of the eastern section of the Wolverhampton loop, consisting of a line branching off before the existing St George's terminus and running north up Pipers Row to terminate at the station. Northbound trams will terminate alternately at the station and at St George's. The estimated completion date was 2015, although a succession of delays means that {{as of|2022|11|lc=y}}, this section opened on 17 September 2023.<ref name = wolvesdelay /><ref name="express-02052012" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Parkes |first1=Thomas |title=Time's up! But Wolverhampton Metro extension works still there |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/08/28/times-up-but-wolverhampton-metro-extension-works-still-there/ |access-date=31 August 2019 |work=Express & Star |language=en}}</ref> The remaining part of the Wolverhampton loop will be completed at a later date, subject to funding.<ref name="express-02052012" />
The first phase will see the construction of the eastern section of the Wolverhampton loop, consisting of a line branching off before the existing St George's terminus and running north up Pipers Row to terminate at the station. Northbound trams will terminate alternately at the station and at St George's. The estimated completion date was 2015, although a succession of delays means that this section actually opened on 17 September 2023.<ref name = wolvesdelay /><ref name="express-02052012" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Parkes |first1=Thomas |title=Time's up! But Wolverhampton Metro extension works still there |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/08/28/times-up-but-wolverhampton-metro-extension-works-still-there/ |access-date=31 August 2019 |work=Express & Star |language = en-gb}}</ref> The remaining part of the Wolverhampton loop will be completed at a later date, subject to funding.<ref name="express-02052012" />


===Wednesbury–Brierley Hill extension===
===Wednesbury–Brierley Hill extension===
{{West-Midlands-Metro-WBHE|collapse=yes}}
{{West-Midlands-Metro-WBHE}}
{{anchor|WBHe extension}}
{{anchor|WBHe extension}}
Wednesbury–Brierley Hill extension (WBHE) is an {{convert|11|km|mi|adj=on|abbr=in}} line which will run south-west from the existing route, branching off east of {{tram|Wednesbury Great Western Street}}. The route would be constructed on the [[track bed]] of the disused [[South Staffordshire Line]], running through [[Tipton]] and close to the former [[Dudley railway station|Dudley Town station]]. The line would then run on-street into Dudley town centre, before following the A461 Southern Bypass to rejoin the railway corridor. After running along part of the former [[Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Line]], the tram line would diverge south to serve the Waterfront Business Park and [[Merry Hill Shopping Centre]], terminating at Brierley Hill. In 2012, the estimated cost of the WBHE was £268{{nbsp}}million, and a frequency of ten trams per hour was envisaged, alternately serving Wolverhampton and Birmingham.<ref name="metroalliance-brierley">{{cite web |title=Wednesbury To Brierley Hill Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance |url=http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/wednesbury-to-brierley-hill-extension/ |publisher=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=31 August 2019}}</ref><ref name="centro-WednesburyBrierleyHill">{{cite web|url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/WednesburyBrierleyHill.aspx |title=Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Extension Information |publisher=Centro |access-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409161102/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/WednesburyBrierleyHill.aspx |archive-date=9 April 2012 }}<!-- mistitled in linked page --></ref> A further extension to [[Stourbridge]] has also been proposed, with a junction at Canal Street, allowing trams to access the remainder of the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Line to [[Stourbridge Junction]] and possibly [[Stourbridge Town]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://centro.journalistpresslounge.com/centro/uploads/imagelibrary/WtoBHill%20watercolourMap.jpg |publisher=Centro |title=The Route |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117053736/http://centro.journalistpresslounge.com/centro/uploads/imagelibrary/WtoBHill%20watercolourMap.jpg |archive-date=17 January 2016 }}</ref>
Wednesbury–Brierley Hill extension (WBHE) is an {{convert|11|km|mi|adj=on|abbr=in}} line which will run south-west from the existing route, branching off east of {{tram|Wednesbury Great Western Street}}. The route would be constructed on the [[track bed]] of the disused [[South Staffordshire Line]], running through [[Tipton]] and close to the former [[Dudley railway station|Dudley Town station]]. The line would then run on-street into Dudley town centre, before following the A461 Southern Bypass to rejoin the railway corridor. After running along part of the former [[Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Line]], the tram line would diverge south to serve the Waterfront Business Park and [[Merry Hill Shopping Centre]], terminating at Brierley Hill. In 2012, the estimated cost of the WBHE was £268{{nbsp}}million, and a frequency of ten trams per hour was envisaged, alternately serving Wolverhampton and Birmingham.<ref name="metroalliance-brierley">{{cite web |title=Wednesbury To Brierley Hill Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance |url=http://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/wednesbury-to-brierley-hill-extension/ |publisher=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=31 August 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name="centro-WednesburyBrierleyHill">{{cite web |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/WednesburyBrierleyHill.aspx |title=Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Extension Information |publisher=Centro |access-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409161102/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/WednesburyBrierleyHill.aspx |archive-date=9 April 2012 |language = en-gb}}<!-- mistitled in linked page --></ref> A further extension to [[Stourbridge]] has also been proposed, with a junction at Canal Street, allowing trams to access the remainder of the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Line to [[Stourbridge Junction]] and possibly [[Stourbridge Town]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://centro.journalistpresslounge.com/centro/uploads/imagelibrary/WtoBHill%20watercolourMap.jpg |publisher=Centro |title=The Route |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117053736/http://centro.journalistpresslounge.com/centro/uploads/imagelibrary/WtoBHill%20watercolourMap.jpg |archive-date=17 January 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


[[Network Rail]] have announced plans to reopen the South Staffordshire Line for the use of freight trains. Metro planners considered operating [[light rail]] trams on segregated tracks, but in 2011 put forward proposals to introduce [[tram-train]] operation on the route to allow Metro vehicles to share tracks with [[heavy rail]] freight trains.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Midland Metro track-share proposals gather pace |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/newsroom/PressReleases/PressRelease18096.aspx |publisher=Centro |access-date=7 March 2013 |date=22 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113124948/http://www.centro.org.uk/newsroom/PressReleases/PressRelease18096.aspx |archive-date=13 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/03/21/tram-train-line-work-could-launch-in-2014/ |work=Express & Star |location =Wolverhampton |date=21 March 2011 |title= Tram-train line work could launch in 2014|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>
[[Network Rail]] have announced plans to reopen the South Staffordshire Line for the use of freight trains. Metro planners considered operating [[light rail]] trams on segregated tracks, but in 2011 put forward proposals to introduce [[tram-train]] operation on the route to allow Metro vehicles to share tracks with [[heavy rail]] freight trains.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Midland Metro track-share proposals gather pace |url=http://www.centro.org.uk/newsroom/PressReleases/PressRelease18096.aspx |publisher=Centro |access-date=7 March 2013 |date=22 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113124948/http://www.centro.org.uk/newsroom/PressReleases/PressRelease18096.aspx |archive-date=13 November 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2011/03/21/tram-train-line-work-could-launch-in-2014/ |work=Express & Star |location =Wolverhampton, UK |date=21 March 2011 |title= Tram-train line work could launch in 2014 |access-date=21 July 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


Due to funding constraints, it was decided to construct this extension in phases, with the first section from Wednesbury to Dudley opening first.
Due to funding constraints, it was decided to construct this extension in phases, with the first section from Wednesbury to Dudley opening first.


In early 2017, work began to clear vegetation and disused track from the former railway line. In early 2021, work started on construction of the line. It is estimated that the entire line to Brierley Hill will be completed by 2023.<ref>{{Cite news|date=29 January 2020|title='Exciting future' for Dudley as tram works begin|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-51299344|access-date=14 July 2020}}</ref>{{update inline|date=January 2024}} The estimated cost of the extension is now £449{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |title= Second line of Midland Metro to be built in phases |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/12/24/second-line-of-midland-metro-to-be-built-in-phases/ |date=24 December 2012 |work= Express & Star |location= Wolverhampton |access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Madeley |first1=Pete |title=New West Midland Metro line back on track - but costs are up £100m |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/03/04/new-midland-metro-line-is-back-on-track-but-costs-are-up-100-million/ |website=Express & Star |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=31 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref> In July 2022, it was announced that due to spiralling costs, the line to Brierley Hill will be built in two phases. Phase 1 will see a line open to Dudley, construction of which is well underway. Subject to further funding, Phase 2 will extend the line to Brierley Hill.<ref name="indoubt">{{cite web | url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2022/07/21/wednesbury-to-brierley-hill-metro-extension-in-doubt-after-cost-rises-to-550million/ | title=Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension in doubt after cost rises to £550 million | date=21 July 2022 }}</ref>
In early 2017, work began to clear vegetation and disused track from the former railway line. In early 2021, work started on construction of the line. It was estimated that the entire line to Brierley Hill would be completed by 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 January 2020 |title='Exciting future' for Dudley as tram works begin |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-51299344 |access-date=14 July 2020 |language = en-gb}}</ref>{{update inline|date=January 2024}} The estimated cost of the extension is now £449{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |title= Second line of Midland Metro to be built in phases |url= https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/12/24/second-line-of-midland-metro-to-be-built-in-phases/ |date=24 December 2012 |work= Express & Star |location= Wolverhampton, UK |access-date=7 March 2013 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Madeley |first1=Pete |title=New West Midland Metro line back on track - but costs are up £100m |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/03/04/new-midland-metro-line-is-back-on-track-but-costs-are-up-100-million/ |newspaper=Express & Star |date=4 March 2019 |access-date=31 August 2019 |language = en-gb}}</ref> In July 2022, it was announced that due to spiralling costs, the line to Brierley Hill will be built in two phases. Phase 1 will see a line open to Dudley, construction of which is well underway. Subject to further funding, Phase 2 will extend the line to Brierley Hill.<ref name="indoubt">{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2022/07/21/wednesbury-to-brierley-hill-metro-extension-in-doubt-after-cost-rises-to-550million/ |title=Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension in doubt after cost rises to £550 million |newspaper=Express & Star |date=21 July 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


===Other new lines===
===Other new lines===
In September 2021, £2.1{{nbsp}}billion in funding was applied for, of which £1{{nbsp}}billion was received, for new Metro and upgraded bus routes around the West Midlands,<ref>{{cite news |title=Four new tram routes in Birmingham and the Black Country in huge Metro plan |url= https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/four-new-tram-routes-birmingham-21592574 |first=Mark |last=Cardwell |date=17 September 2021 |work=Birmingham Live}}</ref> consisting of many new lines and extensions, these are:
In September 2021, £2.1{{nbsp}}billion in funding was applied for, of which £1{{nbsp}}billion was received, for new Metro and upgraded bus routes around the West Midlands,<ref>{{cite news |title=Four new tram routes in Birmingham and the Black Country in huge Metro plan |url= https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/four-new-tram-routes-birmingham-21592574 |first=Mark |last=Cardwell |date=17 September 2021 |work=Birmingham Live |language = en-gb}}</ref> consisting of many new lines and extensions, these are:
* Extension from [[Edgbaston]] to [[Quinton, Birmingham|Quinton]]
* Extension from [[Edgbaston]] to [[Quinton, Birmingham|Quinton]]
** This may be cut or extended depending on how much funding is given
** This may be cut or extended depending on how much funding is given
Line 541: Line 561:
* New Line to New Cross Hospital
* New Line to New Cross Hospital
** This would likely be an extension of the line to Wolverhampton Railway Station currently under construction.
** This would likely be an extension of the line to Wolverhampton Railway Station currently under construction.
* Possible New Line branching off the Airport Line to Solihull Town Centre<ref name=bm-20220923>{{cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/east-birmingham-solihull-transport-corridor-25095021 |title=East Birmingham to Solihull transport corridor 'fast tracked' by government |last=Cramp |first=Thomas |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=23 September 2022 |access-date=9 February 2024}}</ref><ref name=ma-solihullextension>{{cite web |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/east-birmingham-solihull-extension/ |title=East Birmingham to Solihull Metro Extension |website=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=9 February 2024}}</ref>
* Possible New Line branching off the Airport Line to Solihull Town Centre<ref name=bm-20220923>{{cite news |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/east-birmingham-solihull-transport-corridor-25095021 |title=East Birmingham to Solihull transport corridor 'fast tracked' by government |last=Cramp |first=Thomas |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |date=23 September 2022 |access-date=9 February 2024 |language = en-gb}}</ref><ref name=ma-solihullextension>{{cite web |url=https://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/east-birmingham-solihull-extension/ |title=East Birmingham to Solihull Metro Extension |website=Midland Metro Alliance |access-date=9 February 2024 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
** First part under construction as part of the Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension, from [[Bull Street tram stop|Bull Street]] to [[Digbeth]].<ref name=ma-202205/>
** First part under construction as part of the Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension, from [[Bull Street tram stop|Bull Street]] to [[Digbeth]].<ref name=ma-202205/>


===Historic planned extensions===
===Historic planned extensions===
In 2004, the proposed Phase Two expansion included five routes:<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Transport Plan, Light Rail Strategy |url=http://www.westmidlandsltp.gov.uk/2006/appendices/chapter_30.html |publisher=Centro |access-date=21 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324053816/http://www.westmidlandsltp.gov.uk/2006/appendices/chapter_30.html |archive-date=24 March 2012 }}</ref>
In 2004, the proposed Phase Two expansion included five routes:<ref>{{cite web |title=Local Transport Plan, Light Rail Strategy |url=http://www.westmidlandsltp.gov.uk/2006/appendices/chapter_30.html |publisher=Centro |access-date=21 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324053816/http://www.westmidlandsltp.gov.uk/2006/appendices/chapter_30.html |archive-date=24 March 2012 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


;Birmingham City Centre to Great Barr
;Birmingham City Centre to Great Barr
Line 554: Line 574:


;Wolverhampton City Centre to Wednesfield, Willenhall, Walsall and Wednesbury
;Wolverhampton City Centre to Wednesfield, Willenhall, Walsall and Wednesbury
:This {{convert|20.4|km|mi|abbr=in}} "5Ws" route would connect Wolverhampton city centre to Wednesfield, Willenhall, Walsall and Wednesbury, and provide direct access to New Cross and Manor Hospitals, partially using the trackbed of the former [[Wolverhampton and Walsall Railway]]. This link was officially declared dead in the Express & Star on 23 October 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/10/23/walsall-and-black-country-metro-tram-link-declared-dead/ |title=Walsall and Black Country Metro tram link declared dead « Express & Star |website=Express & Star |date=23 October 2015 |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> In place of this line, restoration of passenger services along the railway line between Wolverhampton and Walsall including new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston (James Bridge) was proposed.
:This {{convert|20.4|km|mi|abbr=in}} "5Ws" route would connect Wolverhampton city centre to Wednesfield, Willenhall, Walsall and Wednesbury, and provide direct access to New Cross and Manor Hospitals, partially using the trackbed of the former [[Wolverhampton and Walsall Railway]]. This link was officially declared dead in the Express & Star on 23 October 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/10/23/walsall-and-black-country-metro-tram-link-declared-dead/ |title=Walsall and Black Country Metro tram link declared dead « Express & Star |newspaper=Express & Star |date=23 October 2015 |access-date=21 July 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref> In place of this line, restoration of passenger services along the railway line between Wolverhampton and Walsall including new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston (James Bridge) was proposed.

;Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham Airport
:*(A45)- A {{convert|14|km|mi|abbr=in}} route from [[Birmingham Airport]]/ [[National Exhibition Centre]] and serving suburbs along the A45 road. Journey time from central Birmingham (Bull Street) to the airport was estimated at 29{{nbsp}}minutes. This proposal has now been incorporated into the proposals for Line 2.<ref name="airportrouteprojectpage">{{cite web|url=http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/BhamCityAirport.aspx |title=Airport Route |publisher=Centro |access-date=21 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513113546/http://www.centro.org.uk/metro/BhamCityAirport.aspx |archive-date=13 May 2013 }}</ref>


;Birmingham Airport links
:*(A47)- In September 2010, the ''Birmingham Post'' reported that a "£425{{nbsp}}million rapid transit system" between Birmingham city centre and the airport "could involve a new light rail scheme".<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2010/09/24/loans-for-big-city-transport-schemes-back-on-the-agenda-65233-27331802/ |work=Birmingham Post |title=Loans for big city transport schemes back on the agenda |date=24 September 2010 |author=Walker, Jonathan|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> Centro strategy director Alex Burrows stated "the Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham Airport Rapid Transit plan will provide connectivity between the city centre, [[Birmingham Business Park]] and Chelmsley Wood".<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://centro.journalistpresslounge.com/centro/news/index.cfm/fuseaction/details/id/81E89D9E-13D3-97AA-2DCD3777CDF4BCD3/cnt/1/ref/main/type/News%20Releases/ses/1.cfm |title=Centro in joint call over Tax Increment Financing |publisher=Centro |date=6 October 2010 |access-date=21 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017231557/http://centro.journalistpresslounge.com/centro/news/index.cfm/fuseaction/details/id/81E89D9E-13D3-97AA-2DCD3777CDF4BCD3/cnt/1/ref/main/type/News%20Releases/ses/1.cfm |archive-date=17 October 2015 }}</ref>
:*'''via the A45''' (now part of the East Birmingham to Solihull extension scheme).
:*'''via the A47:''' In September 2010, the ''Birmingham Post'' reported that a "£425{{nbsp}}million rapid transit system" between Birmingham city centre and the airport "could involve a new light rail scheme".<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2010/09/24/loans-for-big-city-transport-schemes-back-on-the-agenda-65233-27331802/ |work=Birmingham Post |title=Loans for big city transport schemes back on the agenda |date=24 September 2010 |last=Walker |first=Jonathan |access-date=21 July 2016 |language = en-gb}}</ref> Centro strategy director Alex Burrows stated "the Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham Airport Rapid Transit plan will provide connectivity between the city centre, [[Birmingham Business Park]] and Chelmsley Wood".<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://centro.journalistpresslounge.com/centro/news/index.cfm/fuseaction/details/id/81E89D9E-13D3-97AA-2DCD3777CDF4BCD3/cnt/1/ref/main/type/News%20Releases/ses/1.cfm |title=Centro in joint call over Tax Increment Financing |publisher=Centro |date=6 October 2010 |access-date=21 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017231557/http://centro.journalistpresslounge.com/centro/news/index.cfm/fuseaction/details/id/81E89D9E-13D3-97AA-2DCD3777CDF4BCD3/cnt/1/ref/main/type/News%20Releases/ses/1.cfm |archive-date=17 October 2015 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


In 2004–05, Birmingham City Council also evaluated the possibility of constructing an [[Rapid transit|underground railway]], and the scheme was advocated by the leader of the council, [[Mike Whitby]],<ref name="bhampost20050613">{{cite news |title=City metro still on track |work=Birmingham Post |date=13 June 2005}}</ref> and deputy leader of the council, [[Paul Tilsley]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=15144542&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=metro-on-the-wrong-track-name_page.html |title=Metro on the wrong track |work=Birmingham Post |date=2 February 2005}}</ref> A feasibility report by [[Jacobs Engineering]] and [[Deloitte]] concluded that the tunnelling scheme would be unaffordable and not meet government funding criteria.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/2004/11/02/company-to-study-plan-for-city-tube-50002-14825005/ |title=Company to study plan for city tube |work=Birmingham Post |date=2 November 2004}}</ref>
During the mid-2000s, Birmingham City Council also evaluated the possibility of constructing an [[Rapid transit|underground railway]], and the scheme was advocated by the leader of the council, [[Mike Whitby]],<ref name="bhampost20050613">{{cite news |title=City metro still on track |work=Birmingham Post |date=13 June 2005 |language = en-gb}}</ref> and deputy leader of the council, [[Paul Tilsley]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=15144542&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=metro-on-the-wrong-track-name_page.html |title=Metro on the wrong track |work=Birmingham Post |date=2 February 2005 |language = en-gb}}</ref> A feasibility report by [[Jacobs Engineering]] and [[Deloitte]] concluded that the tunnelling scheme would be unaffordable and not meet government funding criteria.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/2004/11/02/company-to-study-plan-for-city-tube-50002-14825005/ |title=Company to study plan for city tube |work=Birmingham Post |date=2 November 2004 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


==Accidents and incidents==
==Accidents and incidents==
* On 8 June 2006, T-69 tram, fleet number 06, collided with a taxi on New Swan Lane Level Crossing. The taxi was pushed across the junction and collided with a stationary lorry. The two occupants of the taxi were taken to hospital and released after two hours; neither the tram passengers nor the lorry driver suffered any injuries. The [[Rail Accident Investigation Branch|RAIB]] enquiry found that the tram driver failed to stop at the signal; the report noted that this was then the only level crossing on the network, and that there had been seven previous collisions there since the metro came into operation in 1999, but all of these had been a result of failures by road traffic users.<ref>{{cite web | title = Collision between a tram and road vehicle at New Swan Lane Level Crossing on Midland Metro | publisher=Rail Accident Investigation Branch | date = June 2007 | url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c904d40f0b602410001a3/R182007_070607_Swan_Lane.pdf | access-date = 15 July 2020}}</ref>
* On 8 June 2006, T-69 tram, fleet number 06, collided with a taxi on New Swan Lane Level Crossing. The taxi was pushed across the junction and collided with a stationary lorry. The two occupants of the taxi were taken to hospital and released after two hours; neither the tram passengers nor the lorry driver suffered any injuries. The [[Rail Accident Investigation Branch|RAIB]] enquiry found that the tram driver failed to stop at the signal; the report noted that this was then the only level crossing on the network, and that there had been seven previous collisions there since the metro came into operation in 1999, but all of these had been a result of failures by road traffic users.<ref>{{cite web |title = Collision between a tram and road vehicle at New Swan Lane Level Crossing on Midland Metro |publisher=Rail Accident Investigation Branch |date = June 2007 |url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c904d40f0b602410001a3/R182007_070607_Swan_Lane.pdf |access-date = 15 July 2020 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
* On 19 December 2006, trams 09 and 10 collided in Winson Green, injuring a group of people while en route to the Metro's then [[Birmingham]] Snow Hill terminus.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 December 2006|title=Tram collision causes injuries|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6193803.stm|website=BBC News}}</ref>
* On 19 December 2006, trams 09 and 10 collided in Winson Green, injuring a group of people while en route to the Metro's then [[Birmingham]] Snow Hill terminus.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2006 |title=Tram collision causes injuries |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/6193803.stm |publisher=BBC News |language = en-gb}}</ref>
* On 19 August 2019, tram 31 was derailed after colliding with a vehicle in [[Wolverhampton]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Embury-Dennis|first=Tom|date=19 August 2019|title=Wolverhampton crash: At least five injured after car smashes into tram on ring road|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tram-crash-today-wolverhampton-trolly-car-a9065106.html|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>
* On 19 August 2019, tram 31 was derailed after colliding with a vehicle in [[Wolverhampton]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Embury-Dennis |first=Tom |date=19 August 2019 |title=Wolverhampton crash: At least five injured after car smashes into tram on ring road |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tram-crash-today-wolverhampton-trolly-car-a9065106.html |access-date=17 December 2021 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
* On 13 November 2021, services were suspended due to cracks being found in the bodywork of some trams.<ref name= 2021suspension >{{cite web | url = https://westmidlandsmetro.com/using-the-metro/service-status/ | title = Service suspended from 13 November until further notice | publisher = West Midlands Metro | date = 13 November 2021 | access-date = 2 December 2021}}</ref>
* On 13 November 2021, services were suspended due to cracks being found in the bodywork of some trams.<ref name= 2021suspension >{{cite web |url = https://westmidlandsmetro.com/using-the-metro/service-status/ |title = Service suspended from 13 November until further notice |publisher = West Midlands Metro |date = 13 November 2021 |access-date = 2 December 2021 |language = en-gb}}</ref>
* On 20 March 2022, services were suspended until further notice due to cracks in the bodywork of some older trams.<ref name = 2022suspension >{{Cite news |date=2022-03-20 |title=West Midlands Metro services suspended as cracks found |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-60812883 |access-date=2022-03-20}}</ref>
* On 20 March 2022, services were suspended until further notice due to cracks in the bodywork of some older trams.<ref name = 2022suspension >{{Cite news |date=20 March 2022 |title=West Midlands Metro services suspended as cracks found |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-60812883 |access-date=20 March 2022 |language = en-gb}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 577: Line 596:


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
* {{cite book | last = Boynton | first = John | year = 2001 | title = Main Line to Metro: Train and tram on the Great Western route: Birmingham Snow Hill – Wolverhampton | publisher = Mid England Books | location = Kidderminster, UK | isbn = 978-0-9522248-9-1 }}
* {{cite book
| last = Boynton
| first = John
| year = 2001
| title = Main Line to Metro: Train and tram on the Great Western route: Birmingham Snow Hill – Wolverhampton
| publisher = Mid England Books
| location = Kidderminster
| isbn = 978-0-9522248-9-1
}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* {{cite magazine|title=Midland Metro: City centre extension could be next|first=Howard|last=Johnston|magazine=[[RAIL (magazine)|RAIL]]|issue=325|publisher=EMAP Apex Publications|date=10 March 1998|pages=30–35|issn=0953-4563|oclc=49953699}}
* {{cite magazine |title=Midland Metro: City centre extension could be next |first=Howard |last=Johnston |magazine=[[RAIL (magazine)|RAIL]] |issue=325 |publisher=EMAP Apex Publications |date=10 March 1998 |pages=30–35 |issn=0953-4563 |oclc=49953699 |language = en-gb}}


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 10:45, 26 July 2024

West Midlands Metro
Urbos 3 tram in West Midlands Metro livery at Edgbaston Village tram stop
Urbos 3 tram in West Midlands Metro livery at Edgbaston Village tram stop
Overview
OwnerTransport for West Midlands
Area servedBirmingham, Sandwell, Wolverhampton
LocaleWest Midlands county
Transit typeTram/Light rail
Number of lines1
Number of stations33
Annual ridership5.4 million (2022/23)[1]
Increase 14.9%
HeadquartersPotters Lane, Wednesbury
Websitewestmidlandsmetro.com Edit this at Wikidata
Operation
Began operation30 May 1999
Operator(s)Midland Metro Limited
Number of vehicles29 Urbos 3
Technical
System length14 miles (23 km)[2]
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
ElectrificationOverhead line (750 V DC)
Top speed70 km/h (43 mph)
West Midlands Metro network overview

National Rail Wolverhampton Parking
(for Bus interchange Wolverhampton Bus Station)
Pipers Row
The Royal
Priestfield Parking
Zones 3 & 4 boundary
The Crescent
Bilston Central
Loxdale
Bradley Lane Parking
Wednesbury Parkway Parking
Wednesbury Depot
(under construction)
Great Bridge
Black Lake Parking
Zones 2 & 3 boundary
Horseley Road
Dudley Street Guns Village
Parking National Rail Dudley Port
Dartmouth Street
Sedgley Road
Lodge Road
West Bromwich Town Hall
Birmingham New Road
West Bromwich Central
boundary
Sandwell
Dudley
Trinity Way
Tipton Road
Kenrick Park
Dudley Castle
National Rail The Hawthorns Parking
Dudley Town Centre
(Bus interchange Dudley Bus Station)
Flood Street
Handsworth Booth Street
Cinder Bank
Winson Green Outer Circle
Pedmore Road
Soho Benson Road
Waterfront
National Rail Jewellery Quarter
Zones 1 & 2 boundary
Parking Merry Hill
St Paul's
Parking Brierley Hill
St Chads
National Rail Birmingham Snow Hill Parking
Bull Street
(under construction)
Corporation Street
Albert Street
(for National Rail Birmingham Moor Street)
Parking Grand Central
(National Rail Birmingham New Street)
Millennium Point
Town Hall
High Speed 2 Birmingham Curzon Street
Library
Meriden Street
Brindleyplace
Digbeth High Street
(Bus interchange Birmingham Coach Station)
Five Ways
Edgbaston Village

The West Midlands Metro is a light-rail/tram system in the county of West Midlands, England. The network has 33 stops with a total of 14 miles (23 km) of track; it currently consists of a single route, Line 1, which operates between the cities of Birmingham and Wolverhampton via the towns of Bilston, West Bromwich and Wednesbury, on a mixture of former railway lines and urban on-street running. The system is owned by the public body Transport for West Midlands, and operated by Midland Metro Limited, a company wholly owned by the West Midlands Combined Authority.[3][4]

During August 1995, a 25-year contract for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of Line 1 was awarded to the Altram consortium; construction commenced three months later. It was launched on 30 May 1999 as Midland Metro, partly using the disused Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line. During 2006, Ansaldo and John Laing Group both withdrew from the consortium, thus day-to-day operation of the Metro was taken over by the remaining partner, National Express. In October 2018, the National Express concession ended and the system was taken over by Transport for West Midlands, the transport arm of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The line originally terminated at Birmingham Snow Hill station at the edge of the city centre, but following an extension opened in December 2015 it now serves the central core of Birmingham, including the principal regional mainline station, Birmingham New Street. Following further extensions the line now terminates at Edgbaston Village since 2022. At the other end of the line, an extension to Wolverhampton station was opened on 17 September 2023.[5][6] The Metro was originally operated by a fleet of 16 AnsaldoBreda T-69 trams; these were replaced during the 2010s by a newer fleet of 42 CAF Urbos 3.

Construction of a new branch line from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill was approved in March 2019, started in February 2020 and was intended to be completed for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, but has been severely delayed; it is currently scheduled to be completed at least to Dudley by 2025.[7] An additional branch line running to Birmingham's Eastside via Curzon Street – the region's planned High Speed 2 terminus – and terminating at Digbeth is also under construction as of 2024.[8][9] There are also proposals to expand this branch further towards Chelmsley Wood (Solihull) and out to Birmingham Airport.[10]

History

Birmingham once had an extensive tram network run by Birmingham Corporation Tramways. However, as in most British cities, the network was wound down and closed by the local authority, with the last tram running in 1953.[11][12]

1984 proposals

There had been proposals for a light rail or Metro system in Birmingham and the Black Country put forward as early as the 1950s and 1960s, ironically at a time when some of the region's lines and services were beginning to be cut back.[13] However, serious inquiry into the possibility started in 1981 when the West Midlands County Council and the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive formed a joint planning committee to look at light rail as a means of solving the conurbation's congestion problems. In the summer of 1984 they produced a report entitled "Rapid Transit for the West Midlands" which set out ambitious proposals for a £500 million network of ten light rail routes which would be predominantly street running, but would include some underground sections in Birmingham city centre. One of the proposed routes would have used part of the existing line as far as West Bromwich.[14][15]

The scheme suffered from several drawbacks, one being that three of the proposed routes, from Birmingham to Sutton Coldfield, Shirley, and Dorridge would take over existing railways, and would have included the conversion into a tramway of the Cross-City Line, between Aston and Blake Street, ending direct rail services to Lichfield. The northern section of the North Warwickshire Line was also to be converted as far as Shirley station, leaving a question mark over existing train services to Stratford-upon-Avon. Tram tracks would also run alongside the existing line to Solihull and Dorridge, with local train services ended.[14]

The most serious drawback however, which proved fatal to the scheme, was that the first proposed route of the network, between Five Ways and Castle Bromwich via the city centre would have involved the demolition of 238 properties. This invoked strong opposition from local residents. The scheme was spearheaded by Wednesfield Labour councillor Phil Bateman,[14] but was eventually abandoned in late 1985 in the face of public opposition over the necessity of demolishing hundreds of houses, and the Transport Executive was unable to find a member of parliament willing to sponsor an enabling Bill.[16][17]

1988 proposals

An AnsaldoBreda T-69 tram on the former Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line

Following the abolition of the West Midlands County Council and establishment of a new Passenger Transport Authority in 1986, a new light-rail scheme under the name "Midland Metro" was revived with a different set of lines. The first of up to 15 lines was intended to be operating by the end of 1993, and a network of 200 kilometres was planned to be in use by 2000.[18][12]

In February 1988, it was announced that the first route, Line 1, would be between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, using much of the mothballed trackbed of the former Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line, a route not included in the 1984 recommended network, partly as at that stage the section between Wednesbury and Bilston was still in use, not closing until 1992. The Wednesbury to Birmingham section had closed back in 1972, and the section between Bilston and Wolverhampton was last used in 1983.

A Bill to give West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive powers to build the line was deposited in Parliament in November 1988, and became an Act of Parliament a year later, with completion expected by the mid-1990s.[19][12]

A three-line network was initially planned, and powers were also obtained to build two further routes. Firstly an extension of Line 1 through the city centre to Five Ways, then a second line, Midland Metro Line 2, running to Chelmsley Wood, and then Birmingham Airport.[20] A third line, Line 3 was also proposed, running from Line 1 at Wolverhampton to Walsall, using much of the disused trackbed of the Wolverhampton and Walsall Railway, and then, using the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill trackbed of the South Staffordshire Line (which would close in 1993), running southwards to Dudley intersecting with Line 1 along the route. This would provide a direct link with the new Merry Hill Shopping Centre, which was built between 1984 and 1989.[19][12]

Construction of Line 1

During August 1995, a 25-year contract for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of Line 1 was awarded to the Altram consortium; construction commenced three months later.[21][12] The estimated construction cost in 1995 was £145 million (equivalent to £352,080,000 in 2023)[22] of which loans and grants from central government accounted for £80M, the European Regional Development Fund contributed £31M, while the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority provided £17.1M and Altram contributed £11.4M.[23][12]

By May 1997, construction work was reportedly 50 per cent complete and track-laying had been progressing at 0.5 km per week.[24] However, the targeted completion date of August 1998 was missed by ten months, leading to compensation being paid by Altram.[25][26] The original part of Line 1, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, was opened on 30 May 1999.[12][27]

Further development

Some 25 years later, Line 2 and Line 3 have not been built. In 1997, Centro accepted that they were unable to get funding for the proposed lines, and therefore adopted a strategy of expanding the system in "bite-sized chunks", with the city-centre extension of Line 1 as the first priority. The intention was that the first decade of the 21st century would see the completion of the first of these projects.[19][28]

Work on the Birmingham Metro tram extension began in June 2012, launched by transport minister Norman Baker. The dig was begun at the junction of Corporation Street and Bull Street, with work to move water pipes and power cables. On 6 December 2015, trams entered service on the extension to Bull Street.

Current network

Route

The route of Line 1 and the Birmingham City Centre extension

For nearly two decades, Line 1 between Birmingham to Wolverhampton was the solitary operating section of the Midland Metro. It runs mostly along the trackbed of the former Great Western Railway line between the two cities which was closed in phases between 1972 and 1992. Originally, the line terminated at Birmingham Snow Hill station, using the space of one of the former rail platforms. However, between 2015 and 2016, the line was extended across Birmingham city centre as far as Grand Central. From December 2019, trams terminated at Library tram stop next to the Library of Birmingham,[29] and in July 2022 the line was extended further to Edgbaston Village tram stop.[30][31]

From the Grand Central tram stop, which allows interchange with the National Rail network at Birmingham New Street station, West Midlands Metro then runs on street through the city-centre to Birmingham Snow Hill station. From there, the line runs north-west, and for the first few miles it runs alongside the Birmingham to Worcester railway line, before the two diverge. Two stations on this stretch (Jewellery Quarter and The Hawthorns) are also tram/railway interchange stations.[32]

At the northern end trams leave the railway trackbed at Priestfield to run along Bilston Road to Wolverhampton St George's. From September 2023 trams terminate at Wolverhampton station instead although the original terminus remains open.

The original proposal was to run into the former Wolverhampton Low Station but this was abandoned as it was felt that the terminus would be too remote from the city centre. A loop around the city centre was also planned but this has also not been proceeded with.

Stops

There are 33 tram stops in use on the route.

Frequencies

Mondays to Saturdays, services run at ten-minute intervals during the day. Sunday day service is twelve-minute intervals and all Evening service is at fifteen-minute intervals.[33] Trams take roughly 55 minutes to complete the route.[34]

Rolling stock

Current fleet

West Midlands Metro operates 21 trams, with more on order. In summary:[35]

Class Image Type  Top speed  Length
metres
 Capacity  In
service
Orders Fleet
numbers
Routes
operated
Built Years
operated
 mph   km/h  Std Sdg Total
CAF Urbos 3 Tram 43 70 33 54 156 210 21 17–37 All 2012–2015 2014–present
21 38-58 All 2021–2023 2021–Present
Total 42

In February 2012, Centro announced that it was planning a £44.2 million replacement of the entire existing T-69 tram fleet.[36] CAF was named preferred bidder for 19 to 25 Urbos 3 trams.[37] A£40 million order for 20 was signed, with options for five more.[38] The new fleet provided an increased service of ten trams per hour in each direction, with an increased capacity of 210 passengers per tram (compared to 156 passengers on the T69 trams).

The first four new trams entered service on 5 September 2014; all of the T-69s had been replaced by August 2015.[39]

In October 2019, WMCA awarded CAF a contract to supply an additional 21 Urbos 3 trams worth £83.5 million for the expanding network, with the option to purchase a further 29. The contract includes technical support and battery management services over 30 years.

Cracks were found in a couple of the new trams during routine inspection in June 2021 leading to all services being briefly suspended. Services were suspended again in November 2021 for four weeks as further inspections had discovered that more significant permanent repairs were required.[40]

The service was suspended again on 20 March 2022 for replacement of body panels[41][42] and recommenced on 9 June 2022.[43]

Former fleet

West Midlands Metro has previously operated the following trams:

 Class  Image Type  Top speed  Length
metres
 Capacity   Number   Fleet
numbers 
 Routes
operated 
 Built   Years
operated 
 mph   km/h  Std Sdg Total
AnsaldoBreda T-69 Tram 43.5 70 24.36 56 100 156 16 01–16 Line 1 1996–1999 1999–2015

T-69

The T-69s were built in Italy by AnsaldoBreda (now Hitachi Rail Italy), and were used only on the Midland Metro (as it was called then). After withdrawal, all 16 were transferred to the tram test centre at Long Marston.

Infrastructure

The transition from segregated track to street running near St Chads tram stop
St Chads tram stop

Track

The West Midlands Metro is a standard gauge double-track tramway. Trams are driven manually under a mix of line-of-sight and signals. Turnback crossovers along the line, including in the street section, have point indicators.

On the trackbed section Birmingham to Priestfield, signals are at Black Lake level crossing, Wednesbury Parkway, and Metro Centre. The street section has signals at every set of traffic lights, tied into the road signals to allow tram priority.

Tram stop design

The tram stops are unstaffed raised platforms with two open-fronted cantilever shelters equipped with seats, a 'live' digital display of services, closed circuit television, and an intercom linked to Metro Centre.[23]

Power supply

Some of the line is electrified at 750 V DC using overhead lines, and that system was renewed in 2010/11, requiring short-term closures.[44][45] The current trams have batteries, and charge at specially adapted tram stops, eliminating the need for visible power infrastructure within certain city sections.[46]

Depot

The Metro Centre control room, stabling point and depot is near Wednesbury Great Western Street tram stop, on land once used as railway sidings.

In January 2023, construction began to expand the depot.[47]

Fares and ticketing

Unlike many other tram and train networks in the UK, West Midlands Metro does not offer ticket machines or ticket offices at tram stops although machines were provided when the system opened. They were later replaced by conductors. Single, return, and all-day tickets are sold by the on-tram conductors. Tickets valid for 1, 4, or 52 weeks are sold from seven "Travel Shops" located around the West Midlands, though only four are in locations served by the Metro.

Up until 2018 single, return, and day tickets could only be purchased with cash or Swift cards, but Contactless payment cards are now accepted.

As well as the above, West Midlands Metro accepts a range of interavailable Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) tickets such as nbus+Metro and nNetwork, which can be bought on buses and at railway stations, as well as on the trams.

Cash fares were distance-related. The scale was originally intended to be broadly comparable with buses, but this caused the system to run at a significant loss and fares rose.[48] In January 2013, the adult single fare from Birmingham to Wolverhampton was £2 by bus and £3.60 by tram, although the tram journey is much quicker even when the bus routes are congestion-free. By 2016 the tram fare had risen to £4.[49] In November 2013, Birmingham City Council indicated plans to introduce a smart-card system (similar to Transport for London's Oyster card) to improve access, alongside a range of measures including a new Tube-style map and electric bus networks.[50] This has now launched and is called the Swift card.

In March 2022, the fare system was amended again, with the graduated fares replaced by four zones:[51]

Fares are now charged on a per-zone basis, with fares payable for travel in Zone 1 slightly higher than Zones 2-4 (this applies to single zone, two zone and three zone fares).[52] The stops at Jewellery Quarter, Black Lake and Priestfield are "boundary stations", meaning they sit in both Zznes.

Corporate affairs

Operator

When the Midland Metro system opened in 1999, it was originally operated by Altram, a joint venture of the infrastructure company John Laing, the engineering firm Ansaldo, and the transport group National Express.[12] During 2006, Ansaldo and Laing officially withdrew from the venture after financial difficulties, and day-to-day operation was taken over by the remaining partner, National Express, who ran the system as National Express Midland Metro.[53]

In October 2018, the National Express concession ended and the system was taken over by Transport for West Midlands, the transport arm of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Operation of Midland Metro was taken over by Midland Metro Ltd, a company wholly owned by WMCA, and the system was rebranded West Midlands Metro.[54][3][4] WMCA subsequently set up a consortium of various engineering and consultancy firms, the Midland Metro Alliance, to design and construct future network extensions.[6]

The current operator, Midland Metro, has produced accounts from 1 October 2017.[55] Between 1999 and 2003, Altram had operated Midland Metro unsuccessfully on a for-profit basis. However, operating revenue did not cover costs, and in February 2003, auditors refused to sign off Midland Metro's accounts as a going concern.[53][56] From 2006, under sole National Express control, losses were largely covered by cross-subsidy from other parts of the National Express group,[53] but the figures were not shown separately in their published accounts.

Passenger revenue and passenger numbers are published by the Department for Transport.[57]

The key available trends in recent years for West Midlands Metro are (years ending 31 March):

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Turnover[a] (£M) 8.3 12.8 7.6
Operating profit[b] (£M) −0.002 0.013 0.037
Profit for the financial year [c] (£M) - −0.002 −0.014
Passenger revenue[d] (£M) 6.5 7.0 7.4 7.8 7.9 7.7 8.6 10.3 9.8 10.7 11.3 5.8
Number of employees[e] (average) 181 219 218
Number of passengers[f] (M) 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.8 4.7 4.4 4.8 6.2 5.7 8.3 8.0 3.4
Number of trams (at year end) 16 16 16 16 16 16 21 21 21 21 21 21
Notes/sources [57] [57] [57] [57] [57] [57] [57] [57] [57] [g]
[57][55]
[57][58] [h]
[57][59]
  1. ^ From Midland Metro Ltd's Statement of Accounts
  2. ^ From Midland Metro Ltd's Statement of Accounts
  3. ^ From Midland Metro Ltd's Statement of Accounts
  4. ^ As defined in the DfT Light Rail and Tram Survey (Table LRT0301a)[57]
  5. ^ From Midland Metro Ltd's Statement of Accounts
  6. ^ Passenger journeys, as defined in the DfT Light Rail and Tram Survey (Table LRT0101)[57]
  7. ^ 2019: Figures for 18 months
  8. ^ 2021: Activities and income in fiscal 2021 were severely reduced by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic

Passenger numbers

Detailed passenger journeys since the system commenced operations on 30 May 1999 were:

Estimated passenger journeys made on West Midlands Metro by financial year (to 31 March)
Year Passenger
journeys
Year Passenger
journeys
Year Passenger
journeys
1999–00 4.8M 2007–08 4.8M 2015–16 4.8M
2000–01 5.4M 2008–09 4.7M 2016–17 6.2M
2001–02 4.8M 2009–10 4.7M 2017–18 5.7M
2002–03 4.9M 2010–11 4.8M 2018–19 8.3M
2003–04 5.1M 2011–12 4.9M 2019–20 8.0M
2004–05 5.0M 2012–13 4.8M 2020–21 3.4M
2005–06 5.1M 2013–14 4.7M 2021–22 4.7M
2006–07 4.9M 2014–15 4.4M 2022–23 5.4M
Estimates from the Department for Transport[60]
An Urbos 3 tram on display at Wolverhampton St George's in June 2014, in the old livery
The shared West Midlands branding, here blue for metro

Usage on the initial line averaged about five million passenger journeys annually, but numbers remained static for many years.[61] This was not seen as successful,[62][63] as 14 to 20 million passengers per year had been projected.[63][53]

Numerous reasons were suggested for the underperformance, including: that the line has lacked visibility, being confined to Snow Hill station at the edge of Birmingham city centre; that there are quicker trains running between Birmingham and Wolverhampton; that the line did not serve New Street station or any of Birmingham's major visitor attractions (except for the Jewellery Quarter, already well-served by suburban trains).[62][63] Nonetheless, overcrowding sometimes occurred on trams at peak hours.[64]

Passenger numbers increased sharply following the opening of the extension into Birmingham city centre in June 2016,[65] with figures for 2016/17 exceeding six million for the first time.[66]

Branding and livery

The original Midland Metro branding consisted of a blue, green and red livery on tram vehicles with yellow doors. Upon the change to National Express operation in 2006, Midland Metro was rebranded with Network West Midlands livery, then a sub-brand of the transport authority Centro, and trams were painted in a magenta and silver livery with blue doors.[67]

Since 2017, West Midlands Metro has adopted shared branding with other transport modes consisting of a common hexagonal logo formed from the letters WM. This common brand has been introduced in order to create a common identity for an integrated transport system for the region. Each mode bears a coloured variant of the logo: blue for trams, red for buses, orange for trains, magenta for roads, purple for taxis and green for cycling and walking initiatives. The primary typeface is LL Circular by Lineto.[68][69]

Expansion plans

The Midland Metro Alliance was set up in 2017 by WMCA as a long-term framework agreement with transport contractors Colas Rail, Barhale, Thomas Vale, Auctus Management Group, Egis Rail, Tony Gee and Pell Frischman to design and construct future extensions of the West Midlands Metro system.[70]

Continuing on from the original route (Line 1), two extensions in three phases have since been opened in Birmingham:

  • The Birmingham City Centre extension was completed in 2015 and opened in 2016, roughly coinciding with the opening of a renovated Birmingham New Street station. This moved the Birmingham terminus (and primary interchange) from Snow Hill to New Street, located on Stephenson Street and called Grand Central.
  • The Birmingham Westside extension was constructed in two phases. Phase 1, which extended the line from New Street to Birmingham Library, opened in 2019. Phase 2, which extended the line from the Library to Edgbaston Village near Five Ways, opened in 2022.

The Birmingham Eastside extension is currently under construction. This new branch line, diverging between Bull Street and Corporation Street tram stops, is expected to open with a temporary terminus at Moor Street Queensway in 2024 or 2025 until track can be laid on the site HS2's Curzon Street terminus. Work on the extension has been completed on the other side of the site, continuing on to Digbeth.

The Wolverhampton city centre extension was completed in September 2023. The same opening date was given for a new line from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill through Dudley Town Centre; this is scheduled to open in 2024.[71][72]

West Midlands Metro extensions
West Midlands Metro schematic map showing planned and proposed extensions
Schematic map showing planned and proposed extensions
Map of Birmingham Westside extensions
Birmingham Westside extension works
Map of The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Tram extension
Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension works (incl. future Stourbridge link)

Birmingham extensions

Birmingham City Centre extension

The first tracks of the Birmingham City Centre extension being laid on upper Bull Street).
A tram stands on the reversing spur on Stephenson Street. The Westside extension to Edgbaston Village now continues beyond this.

Until 2015, the southern end of the Metro line terminated at Snow Hill station, on the periphery of Birmingham city centre. From its inception, Midland Metro had failed to attain projected passenger numbers and to operate at a profit, and this was attributed to the fact that the line could not carry passengers all the way into the urban centre.[62] The Birmingham City Centre Extension (BCCE) was conceived to solve this problem by extending the route into the streets of central Birmingham.

This extension serves to facilitate the expansion of the metro network through Birmingham's Eastside and Westside. Originally it was planned to terminate the extension at Stephenson Street, adjacent to New Street railway station,[73] but the plans were revised to continue the extension to Birmingham Library, and eventually as far as Five Ways.[74][75][76] A Transport and Works Order authorising the BCCE was made in July 2005,[77] and Government approval was given in February 2012. A new fleet of trams and a new depot at Wednesbury were also authorised, with a budget of £128 million, of which £75 million was to be funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).[78][79] Extension works began in June 2012.[80] The first phase of the extension, to Bull Street, was completed in December 2015; it was the first time in 62 years that trams were serving passengers on the streets of central Birmingham.[81][82]

The extension from St Chads to Grand Central was completed in 2016. This extension used a new route to the east of Snow Hill station which diverged from the original line along a new viaduct and descended to street level.[83] The former tram terminus inside Snow Hill station was closed, releasing a fourth platform at Snow Hill to be reinstated for mainline railway use although as of June 2021, little work has been carried out at the former terminus. Interchange between National Rail services and trams is now provided at Bull Street, approximately 320 metres (1,050 ft) from Snow Hill station.[84][85] From Snow Hill a new tramway was built along Colmore Circus, Upper Bull Street, Corporation Street, and Stephenson Place, terminating at Grand Central. This opened on 30 May 2016.[86] A temporary reversing spur was built in Stephenson Street to allow trams to turn back for the return journey to Wolverhampton. On 19 November 2015, The Queen visited Birmingham and named one of the new trams.[87] Despite only being in use for five years, this track and the concrete trackbed was removed and replaced in May 2021.[88]

Birmingham Westside extension

The extension from Grand Central to Library began on 5 September 2017.[89] and was opened to passenger service in December 2019. Trams now run from Stephenson Street along Pinfold Street, through Victoria Square with a new stop at Town Hall, along Paradise Street and Broad Street, and terminated at Library in Centenary Square until 16 July 2022.[90][29][91]

The Birmingham Westside extension will continue the line from Birmingham Library along Broad Street to Hagley Road in Edgbaston (just west of Five Ways). Additional local enterprise partnership funding was made available in 2014 for the extension from Five Ways to Edgbaston.[92][93][94] The extension opened in July 2022 with new tram stops at Brindleyplace, Five Ways, and Edgbaston.[95][96][97]

Birmingham Eastside extension

West Midlands Metro
Birmingham Eastside extension
Birmingham City Centre extension
Albert Street
(for National Rail Birmingham Moor Street)
Millennium Point
High Speed 2 Birmingham Curzon Street
Meriden Street
Digbeth High Street
(Bus interchange Birmingham Coach Station)

Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension under construction in 2024 near Birmingham Coach Station

In November 2013, Centro announced a proposal for a tram or bus rapid transit route from Birmingham city centre to Coventry, with a loop connecting the Birmingham Airport with Birmingham city centre via Small Heath and Lea Hall, and a line to Coventry, however Coventry may be connected to the Metro by a line of the Coventry Very Light Rail, which is planned to terminate at Birmingham Interchange HS2. The line would also serve the planned High Speed 2 interchange at Birmingham Curzon Street.[98][99] In February 2014, it was announced that funding had been secured for the first phase of the Line 2 Eastside extension as far as Curzon Street,[100] before a terminus at Adderley Street.[100]

The new route will branch off from the existing route at a junction at meeting point of Bull St and Corporation St. In 2014, Centro considered two proposed routes, one running via Bull Street and Carrs Lane and serving Moor Street station, and a more direct route via Bull Street and Albert Street, bypassing Moor Street.[101]

A Transport and Works Act application was submitted by the Metro Alliance for the first phase of the Eastside extension, following the route via Albert Street and Curzon Street and terminating at Digbeth.[102]

Construction of the first part of the Eastside extension, including a new tramway junction at Lower Bull St and Corporation St, began in June 2021. The first phase of the works involved utility upgrades and diversions in the area. The closure of Lower Bull Street was expected to be in place until Spring 2022,[103] but the street reopened in July 2023.[104] As of 2024, construction is underway from Bull Street to Digbeth, via the HS2 Curzon Street station.[105] Plans are also in place for the extension to be partially opened in 2025 or 2026 up to Moor Street Queensway.[106]

East Birmingham to Solihull extension

West Midlands Metro
East Birmingham to Solihull extension
Birmingham Eastside extension
Adderley Street
(for National Rail Bordesley)
St Andrew's
Bordesley Green
Heartlands Hospital
Meadway
Lea Hall
Bus interchange Chelmsley Interchange
Birmingham Business Park
National Rail Birmingham International
(for Airport interchange Birmingham Airport)
National Exhibition Centre
High Speed 2 Birmingham Interchange

The East Birmingham to Solihull extension (EBSE) was originally investigated in 2004 as a 14 km (8.7 miles) route to Birmingham Airport and National Exhibition Centre, serving suburbs along the A45. Journey time from central Birmingham (Bull Street) to the airport was estimated at 29 minutes. This proposal has now been incorporated into the proposals for an expansion beyond the Digbeth terminus of the Eastside extension.[107]

As of March 2024, the route is planned to continue eastwards by approximately 17 km (11 miles) to serve north Solihull via the B4128 to terminate at the HS2 Birmingham Interchange station, allowing passenger access by West Midlands Metro to the airport, National Exhibition Centre, Resorts World, and Resorts World Arena when open for passenger service.[108] The proposed route would also pass directly by St Andrew's Stadium, home of Birmingham City FC, intended as an alternative to Bordesley station.

Wolverhampton extensions

Wolverhampton City Centre extension

The northern part of the extension scheme was the addition of a tram line into Wolverhampton city centre. The laying of the new track was completed in December 2019 and it was anticipated that passenger services would commence in 2021 once the renovation of Wolverhampton railway station has been completed. However, the project has been delayed.

It was originally proposed in 2009 as a single-track loop running clockwise from the existing St George's terminus via Princess Street, Lichfield Street and Pipers Row (for Wolverhampton bus station), with a spur to Wolverhampton station. An earlier plan would have served more of the city centre with the loop running along Lichfield Street, Queen Square, Victoria Street, Cleveland Street and Garrick Street to the Wolverhampton St George's tram stop. The 2009 scheme had an estimated cost of £30 million.[109][110] In 2010 Centro considered revised proposals that involved an extended route along part of the Wolverhampton Ring Road, serving the University of Wolverhampton campus.[111] The original loop scheme was selected and in 2012 Centro decided to proceed by constructing it in phases. A Transport and Works Act Order was approved in 2016,[112] and in March 2014, a £2 billion connectivity funding package was announced to support a number of transport projects, including phase 1 of the Wolverhampton extension.[113]

The first phase will see the construction of the eastern section of the Wolverhampton loop, consisting of a line branching off before the existing St George's terminus and running north up Pipers Row to terminate at the station. Northbound trams will terminate alternately at the station and at St George's. The estimated completion date was 2015, although a succession of delays means that this section actually opened on 17 September 2023.[5][110][114] The remaining part of the Wolverhampton loop will be completed at a later date, subject to funding.[110]

Wednesbury–Brierley Hill extension

West Midlands Metro
Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension
Wolverhampton
Great Bridge
Horseley Road
National Rail Dudley Port Parking
Sedgley Road
Birmingham New Road
Sandwell
Dudley
boundary
Tipton Road
Dudley Castle
Dudley Town Centre
(Bus interchange Dudley Bus Station)
Flood Street
Cinder Bank
Pedmore Road
Waterfront
Merry Hill Parking
Brierley Hill Parking

Wednesbury–Brierley Hill extension (WBHE) is an 11 km (6.8-mile) line which will run south-west from the existing route, branching off east of Wednesbury Great Western Street. The route would be constructed on the track bed of the disused South Staffordshire Line, running through Tipton and close to the former Dudley Town station. The line would then run on-street into Dudley town centre, before following the A461 Southern Bypass to rejoin the railway corridor. After running along part of the former Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Line, the tram line would diverge south to serve the Waterfront Business Park and Merry Hill Shopping Centre, terminating at Brierley Hill. In 2012, the estimated cost of the WBHE was £268 million, and a frequency of ten trams per hour was envisaged, alternately serving Wolverhampton and Birmingham.[115][116] A further extension to Stourbridge has also been proposed, with a junction at Canal Street, allowing trams to access the remainder of the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Line to Stourbridge Junction and possibly Stourbridge Town.[117]

Network Rail have announced plans to reopen the South Staffordshire Line for the use of freight trains. Metro planners considered operating light rail trams on segregated tracks, but in 2011 put forward proposals to introduce tram-train operation on the route to allow Metro vehicles to share tracks with heavy rail freight trains.[118][119]

Due to funding constraints, it was decided to construct this extension in phases, with the first section from Wednesbury to Dudley opening first.

In early 2017, work began to clear vegetation and disused track from the former railway line. In early 2021, work started on construction of the line. It was estimated that the entire line to Brierley Hill would be completed by 2023.[120][needs update] The estimated cost of the extension is now £449 million.[121][122] In July 2022, it was announced that due to spiralling costs, the line to Brierley Hill will be built in two phases. Phase 1 will see a line open to Dudley, construction of which is well underway. Subject to further funding, Phase 2 will extend the line to Brierley Hill.[7]

Other new lines

In September 2021, £2.1 billion in funding was applied for, of which £1 billion was received, for new Metro and upgraded bus routes around the West Midlands,[123] consisting of many new lines and extensions, these are:

  • Extension from Edgbaston to Quinton
    • This may be cut or extended depending on how much funding is given
  • Extension from Brierley Hill to Stourbridge Junction
  • New Line from Walsall to Wednesbury (offering two routes to Birmingham)
  • New Line to New Cross Hospital
    • This would likely be an extension of the line to Wolverhampton Railway Station currently under construction.
  • Possible New Line branching off the Airport Line to Solihull Town Centre[124][125]
    • First part under construction as part of the Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension, from Bull Street to Digbeth.[105]

Historic planned extensions

In 2004, the proposed Phase Two expansion included five routes:[126]

Birmingham City Centre to Great Barr
A 10 km (6.2 miles), 17-stop route from the city centre through Lancaster Circus and along the A34 corridor to the Birmingham/Walsall boundary, terminating near the M6 motorway junction 7. Transport for the West Midlands have since decided that a "West Midlands Sprint" concept, based on bus rapid transit is the way forward for this route.
Birmingham City Centre to Quinton
A 7.5 km (4.7 miles) route from the BCCE terminus at Five Ways along the Hagley Road to Quinton.
Wolverhampton City Centre to Wednesfield, Willenhall, Walsall and Wednesbury
This 20.4 km (12.7 miles) "5Ws" route would connect Wolverhampton city centre to Wednesfield, Willenhall, Walsall and Wednesbury, and provide direct access to New Cross and Manor Hospitals, partially using the trackbed of the former Wolverhampton and Walsall Railway. This link was officially declared dead in the Express & Star on 23 October 2015.[127] In place of this line, restoration of passenger services along the railway line between Wolverhampton and Walsall including new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston (James Bridge) was proposed.
Birmingham Airport links
  • via the A45 (now part of the East Birmingham to Solihull extension scheme).
  • via the A47: In September 2010, the Birmingham Post reported that a "£425 million rapid transit system" between Birmingham city centre and the airport "could involve a new light rail scheme".[128] Centro strategy director Alex Burrows stated "the Birmingham City Centre to Birmingham Airport Rapid Transit plan will provide connectivity between the city centre, Birmingham Business Park and Chelmsley Wood".[129]

During the mid-2000s, Birmingham City Council also evaluated the possibility of constructing an underground railway, and the scheme was advocated by the leader of the council, Mike Whitby,[130] and deputy leader of the council, Paul Tilsley.[131] A feasibility report by Jacobs Engineering and Deloitte concluded that the tunnelling scheme would be unaffordable and not meet government funding criteria.[132]

Accidents and incidents

  • On 8 June 2006, T-69 tram, fleet number 06, collided with a taxi on New Swan Lane Level Crossing. The taxi was pushed across the junction and collided with a stationary lorry. The two occupants of the taxi were taken to hospital and released after two hours; neither the tram passengers nor the lorry driver suffered any injuries. The RAIB enquiry found that the tram driver failed to stop at the signal; the report noted that this was then the only level crossing on the network, and that there had been seven previous collisions there since the metro came into operation in 1999, but all of these had been a result of failures by road traffic users.[133]
  • On 19 December 2006, trams 09 and 10 collided in Winson Green, injuring a group of people while en route to the Metro's then Birmingham Snow Hill terminus.[134]
  • On 19 August 2019, tram 31 was derailed after colliding with a vehicle in Wolverhampton.[135]
  • On 13 November 2021, services were suspended due to cracks being found in the bodywork of some trams.[40]
  • On 20 March 2022, services were suspended until further notice due to cracks in the bodywork of some older trams.[42]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Light rail and tram statistics, England: year ending March 2023". GOV.UK. Department for Transport. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Route kilometres open for passenger traffic on light rail and trams and undergrounds by system: Great Britain - annual from 1995/96". UK Government Department for Transport. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  3. ^ a b "TfWM to take direct control of Midland Metro services". Transport for West Midlands. 22 March 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Transport for West Midlands Annual Plan 2018-19" (PDF). West Midlands Combined Authority. 15 April 2018.
  5. ^ a b Smith, Adam (28 October 2022). "'Catastrophe for Wolverhampton' as Metro extension is delayed again until spring 2023". Express and Star. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Midland Metro Alliance to manage tramway expansion projects". Railway Gazette International.
  7. ^ a b "Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension in doubt after cost rises to £550 million". Express & Star. 21 July 2022.
  8. ^ "'Significant step forward' for Birmingham Metro tram extension". BBC News. 26 November 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  9. ^ Young, Graham (14 January 2023). "Eastside Metro trams to take four more years to reach Digbeth via HS2". BirminghamLive. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  10. ^ "£450m funding green light for Midland Metro extension". Construction Enquirer. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  11. ^ "Birmingham Corporation Transport The Tramways 1872–1953". Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Marie, Joseph; Chatfield, Chris (1 May 2002). "Midlands LRT Embodies Britain's Push for a Rail Revival". metro-magazine.com.
  13. ^ Boynton 2001, pp. 72.
  14. ^ a b c Boynton 2001, pp. 73.
  15. ^ Bestwick, Alex (22 September 2023). "From The Archive: Trams Again In Birmingham". heritagerailway.co.uk.}
  16. ^ Boynton 2001, pp. 74.
  17. ^ Haywood, Bob (6 October 2013). "West Midlands tram vision hits the buffers". birminghammail.co.uk.
  18. ^ Annual Report 1988–1989. West Midlands PTE.
  19. ^ a b c "Midland Metro, The Metro Project". Light Rail Transit Association. Retrieved 25 March 2012.
  20. ^ Midland Metro Line 2 map (Map). WMPTE.
  21. ^ "House of Commons Debates (pt 27)". UK Parliament. 20 November 1995.
  22. ^ UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  23. ^ a b "Midland Metro Light Rail Network, United Kingdom". Railway Technology. 2011.
  24. ^ "Travelling light in the city". constructionnews.co.uk. 15 May 1997.
  25. ^ "Big bill for late Midland metro". New Civil Engineer. London, UK. 11 March 1999.
  26. ^ "Light rail, heavy losses". constructionnews.co.uk. 24 July 2003.
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Bibliography

  • Boynton, John (2001). Main Line to Metro: Train and tram on the Great Western route: Birmingham Snow Hill – Wolverhampton. Kidderminster, UK: Mid England Books. ISBN 978-0-9522248-9-1.

Further reading

  • Johnston, Howard (10 March 1998). "Midland Metro: City centre extension could be next". RAIL. No. 325. EMAP Apex Publications. pp. 30–35. ISSN 0953-4563. OCLC 49953699.
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