Passenger tram services will begin operating to the new Millennium Point stop in Birmingham from Easter Sunday (5 April), marking the first phase of the West Midlands Metro Eastside extension.
The initial section of the route introduces two new stops – Albert Street and Millennium Point – improving access to key destinations including Moor Street Station, Birmingham City University, the Clayton Hotel and the Thinktank science museum.
The opening also creates a new interchange at Albert Street, linking tram services with the Moor Street bus interchange, used by around 400,000 passengers each week. The connection brings bus, tram and rail together for the first time in this part of the city centre.
The extension has been delivered by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, with services operated by West Midlands Metro.
Sandeep Shingadia, Executive Director of TfWM, said: “This new extension will bring people close to the places where they work, study and visit, while supporting local businesses.
“It is just the beginning of a much wider transformation of our Metro network to connect more communities, open up new opportunities to help our region grow and make travel easier and more accessible for everyone.”
Services on the new section will initially run up to every 15 minutes, with some existing routes between Bull Street and Grand Central now extending to the new stops.
Sophie Allison, Managing Director of West Midlands Metro, said: “The entire Metro team is looking forward to welcoming new and existing customers on the new route as we reach another important milestone in the expansion of the tram network.
“The two new stops will initially see services up to every 15 minutes, delivering a wealth of benefits for local businesses and the travelling public by connecting another vibrant part of the city centre to the wider tram system.”
The Eastside extension forms part of a wider programme of expansion for the Metro network. Construction is already underway to extend the line further to Digbeth Coach Station, with longer-term plans to reach East Birmingham, North Solihull and Birmingham Airport.
Phil Edwards, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see the opening of new tram stops in Eastside, which will provide improved public transport access to Birmingham Knowledge Quarter including Millennium Point and the Birmingham City University campus for residents and visitors alike.”
Construction of the extension was carried out by the Midland Metro Alliance on behalf of TfWM.
Maria Ion, Project Director for the Alliance, added: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see trams ready to run on a route we’ve spent years planning and building.
“This milestone has been achieved through close collaboration with our partners through all phases, from planning and construction to testing and commissioning.”
The new route also represents the first branch from the main Birmingham to Wolverhampton Metro line, with a second branch to Wednesbury and Dudley expected to open later this year.
