First tram is trialled as part of new network on Broad Street

The first vehicle has been trialled as part of the new tram network in Birmingham city centre.

It left Broad Street on Wednesday evening and stopped at the end of the new line at Edgbaston Village.

Meanwhile, trams are still suspended due to bodywork cracks being found. The fleet is due to return at the end of May.

It was previously grounded in November before returning in February, to then be halted once more in March.

Peter Cushing, Director of the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), said:” It is fantastic that the first tram has now travelled along Broad Street as testing of the new route begins.

“This marks a significant milestone in the project and shows just how close we are to opening for passenger services.”

Further tests will be carried out ahead of passenger services in June. It aims to allow people to get used to trams travelling at low speeds along Broad Street and the Hagley Road.