Tram services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham to resume
Tram passenger services are set to return to the region today after four weeks of disruption.
The network, which runs between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, was first suspended due to cracks in June, but services were partially reinstated after repairs.
Last month, West Midlands Metro (WMM) said permanent repairs were needed and it would take its fleet of 21 trams out of service.
Today, the operator said final safety tests have now been completed and services will resume between Wolverhampton and Bull Street from today, with trams initially running up to every 10 minutes.
WMM said: “The programme of permanent repairs to West Midlands Metro’s tram fleet is progressing well and passengers can be reassured that all trams have been subject to comprehensive safety checks as part of the repair process.
“A number of new trams are also in the final stages of testing and commissioning, enabling a phased return to service.
“Once again, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of services, and we continue to focus on delivering a safe and secure, reliable and sustainable service.”
It added that as more trams are repaired and new trams join the fleet, it will aim to “extend the service to Library at the earliest opportunity”.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “I am pleased that after four weeks of disruption we will, from tomorrow, be able to run a Metro service between Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
“This has returned at a critical time as we help people move around the region during the festive period for their Christmas shopping and evening engagements.
“But the situation is still not good enough for passengers, and we have to get the service back running all the way through to Library – not just Bull Street.
“I know the team at the Metro depot are working round the clock to make this happen – ensuring safe and robust repairs are carried out on the existing fleet, whilst also getting the new generation trams we have purchased ready for service.
“In the meantime I would like to apologise to passengers again for the disruption over the past month, but reassure them that the Metro is safe, ready, and back for good, and to please use it for those Christmas trips to Wolverhampton, West Bromwich and Birmingham.”
