TramForward welcomes the public opening of the Midland Metro extension to Birmingham New Street Station.
This long-awaited extension will bring trams right into the heart of Birmingham and signals the beginning of the expansion of the West Midlands tram network. It also establishes the vital link to the city’s main station to provide rail travellers with good connections to Snow Hill station, the Jewellery Quarter and the north-west of Birmingham, as well as to West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Wolverhampton.
Andrew Braddock, Chairman of the Light Rail Transit Association, said during a recent visit to the Midland Metro system by LRTA members:
“Centro’s vision will result in a tram network which can take its place as part of an integrated transport system for the West Midlands.
This new extension will help to cut pollution and stimulate re-development in the city centre. With the continuation of the Midland Metro service beyond the Bull Street terminus, opened in December, trams will become a key feature of Birmingham's central streets rather than being hidden away at Snow Hill".
"As dozens of cities in continental Europe and other parts of the world can attest, trams have a civilising influence in terms of the quality of life in our urban areas", Mr Braddock added, "and it is good to know that the projected Midland Metro extensions to Centenary Square, Five Ways, Curzon Street (for the HS2 station), Digbeth and perhaps ultimately the Airport - as well as from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill - will dramatically transform public transport in the conurbation".