People in Wolverhampton are being asked for their views on plans to extend the Midland Metro tram system in a single track loop around the city centre linking to the rail station.
The proposals would link the Metro stop at Wolverhampton St Georges to the city’s new transport interchange, creating a seamless connection between bus, train and tram.
The £30 million scheme will also make it easier for people to travel round the city centre, making it a more attractive and convenient place for people to live, work, visit and shop.
Transport authority Centro, which is developing the route in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council, is holding a series of exhibitions during July, and is asking people to come along and give their views on the proposals. These will be taken into account during the detailed design of the scheme.
Centro is putting together a business case for the extension which will be submitted to the Department for Transport for funding approval.
Peter Adams, Centro’s project director for Metro, said: “The extension to the Midland Metro in Wolverhampton is all about making moving around the city centre an easier and more attractive experience for people, and improving connection between bus, train and tram.”
“Therefore it is vital that we understand and represent the needs and views of residents, visitors, commuters and shoppers in the city when putting together out detailed design for the scheme.”
“Together with the engineering, environmental and economic studies that are currently taking place, these views will provide us with valuable information which will form a key part of our business case for the Government.”
The Wolverhampton Loop involves trams travelling clockwise on a single track around the city centre, starting at the existing terminus at St Georges and along Market Street, Princess Street, Lichfield Street and Pipers Row, and linking to the railway station.
The scheme is highlighted as a priority for the West Midlands and was included in the region’s bid for money from the Government’s Regional Funding Allocation (RFA) earlier this year.
This also includes a submission for new, longer trams which would run around the loop and on the existing line between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. These would be able to carry up to 40 per cent more people during peak times, and 75 per cent more people off peak, and would run at an increased frequency of every six minutes.
Centro hopes to submit the business case later this year, and will be working closely with the Department for Transport to make sure that it meets their requirements.
When the business case is approved by the Government, further work will be done to secure legal powers which will be sought through a Transport & Works Act Order application which will give Centro powers to build the line.
Centro hopes work on the extension will be completed in 2014.
People can give their views at www.centro.org.uk/metro or by visiting one of the following staffed exhibitions where leaflets with questionnaires are available:
- Wednesday 8th July 2009, 9am – 3pm, Network West Midlands Exhibition Bus outside Queens Building, Wolverhampton Bus Station
- Saturday 11th July 2009, 9am – 5pm, Network West Midlands Exhibition Bus at the Wolverhampton Show, West Park
- Sunday 12th July 2009, 10am – 6pm, Network West Midlands Exhibition Bus at the Wolverhampton Show, West Park
- Wednesday 15th July 2009, 9am – 3pm, Exhibition Stand at BB’s Café, Wulfrun Centre
- Friday 17th July 2009, 12pm – 6pm, Network West Midlands Exhibition Bus outside Queens Building, Wolverhampton Bus Station
- Saturday 18th July 2009, 9am – 3pm, Exhibition Stand at BB’s Café, Wulfrun Centre
The leaflets, which have been sent to key stakeholder groups and businesses along the line, will also be available from local libraries and Wolverhampton Council House, and from the Exhibition Stand at BBs Café in the Wulfrun Centre from 15 – 18 July.
