A crucial agreement to extend the Midland Metro tram network through Dudley is to be finalised this week.
It means the ambitious £200m project is now one step closer to becoming reality. The route has been given the green light by the Government and public transport promoter Centro aims to submit the business case early next year.
Dudley Borough Council has now completed an agreement with Centro to define their respective roles in funding, construction, operation and maintenance of the 11km route from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, via Dudley town centre and the Merry Hill Centre.
“Signing this major agreement with Dudley cements the determination of both parties to deliver this important transport and regeneration project scheme to people in the Black Country as soon as possible,” says Cllr Roger Horton, lead member for Metro on the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, which sets policy for Centro.
One aspect of the agreement concerns Dudley Council’s role as the local highway and planning authority. A design guide has been approved to smooth the way for detailed aspects of the tram stops to receive planning permission, for example. “Removing as much risk and uncertainty as possible at this stage of the project will help is to keep the construction price lower and make sure everyone gets value for money,” adds Cllr Horton.
Three-quarters of the cost would come from Government and current studies show the expansion of the Midland Metro is likely to deliver up to £2 of benefits for every £1 it invests. Local contributions have also been earmarked, with the lion’s share coming from the developers of sites along the route.
The tramlines will run from Wednesbury, through Dudley and Merry Hill, to Brierley Hill with 17 easy-access stops, four of which are served by park and ride facilities. New larger trams will be introduced on the line and will be able to complete the journey in only 23 minutes. It is hoped the service will be up and running in 2011.
On Monday (19 December), councillors representing both partners to the latest agreement, including the Leader of Dudley Council and Chairman of the Passenger Transport Authority will meet in Dudley town centre on the line of the proposed route to make the deal official.
“This Metro extension running up through Castle Hill, Dudley and Brierley Hill is a very exciting prospect for local people,” says Cllr David Caunt, Leader of Dudley Council. “The extended line will not only make travelling around the area much easier and more convenient for everyone, providing an attractive alternative to the car, but it will also bring regeneration, jobs and other socio-economic benefits to this part of the the Black Country. I am extremely pleased to be signing this agreement with Centro, which brings such an important project even closer to reality.”
A similar agreement between Centro and Sandwell Council was completed earlier this year and another is ready to be signed between Centro and Westfield, the owners of the Merry Hill Centre, in January.
Midland Metro line one, between Wolverhampton and Birmingham via West Bromwich, caters for over five million passengers a year and has become the region’s most reliable mode of public transport. The expansion plans also include a new line through the streets of central Birmingham to serve New Street Station, the main shopping centre, Broad Street, the ICC and Five Ways.
