West Midlands Metro services suspended again

Tram services in the West Midlands have been suspended again after more cracks were discovered on vehicles.

Full services had only resumed in February after a stoppage which began in November when cracks were found in some trams.

There will be no more services until further notice, said West Midlands Metro.

In a statement, the operator said: “During inspections, new bodywork cracks have been identified on some of our older trams which require additional checks to be carried out by the manufacturer. As a precautionary measure, tram services have been suspended until further notice.

“We are working alongside the manufacturer, to restore services as quickly as possible. While this situation is ongoing, we are committed to keeping our customers moving.”

It added that Metro tickets and passes will be valid on the alternative modes of transport detailed below:
• National Express bus service 74 between West Bromwich and Birmingham
• National Express bus service 79 between Wolverhampton and West Bromwich
• National Express bus services 9, 12/12A, 13/13A, 23, 24, 82, 87, 126, X8 and X10 in Birmingham city centre
• West Midlands Railway and Avanti train services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham

The statement continued: “We understand the frustration many people will feel at this latest interruption to services, and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”