Trams are expected to carry passengers to a new terminus in Edgbaston for the first time in June.

Local leaders welcomed the news that testing, and commissioning of the new tramway is expected to begin in May leading to passenger services getting underway to Brindleyplace, Five Ways and Edgbaston Village shortly after.

Testing and commissioning is an important phase that involves running out of service trams at low speeds along the newly installed track, allowing engineers to complete a series of tests in a working environment.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said:

"It is really exciting to think that in just a few months’ time people will be able to jump on a tram in Wolverhampton and travel all the way to Edgbaston Village. Of course, this extension is just a part of our incredibly ambitious plans to revolutionise public transport across the West Midlands.”

Councillor Brigid Jones, WMCA portfolio holder for inclusive communities and deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, added:

“This update is an important indicator that the construction work is coming to an end, and that those living, working or visiting the city can now anticipate the extension of fast, clean, reliable and eco-friendly trams throughout more of the city later this spring.”