Public transport bosses in the West Midlands have welcomed the Government’s approval for trams to run through Birmingham streets, saying it represented the best way forward for the city centre.
An Order is to be made under the Transport and Works Act (TWA) giving powers to extend the Midland Metro light rapid transit system through Birmingham city centre, Transport Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman announced today. He said the decision to make the Order, which was applied for by Centro, accords with the recommendation of the Inspector who held a public inquiry into the proposals last year.
The Inspector, Mr A S Jeaps, was persuaded that the scheme would bring transport, regeneration and socio-economic benefits; that it was supported by transport and planning policies at all levels; and that its impacts on local people and the environment would be acceptable.
“This positive decision is a welcome reward for many years hard work by our staff, Birmingham City Council colleagues and specialist consultants,” says Rob Donald, director general of Centro, the West Midlands public transport body that is developing Midland Metro.
“The street running Metro is a key part of a future city-wide tram network to meet the growing needs of Birmingham city centre. Centro now hopes the city council will reaffirm its support for this Metro extension, enabling us to introduce it along with the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill line approved last year.”
His comments were echoed by Cllr Gary Clarke, chairman of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) which sets policy for Centro. The PTA boss was due to meet with Birmingham council leader Mike Whitby to discuss the way forward.
“The city centre Metro is a long-awaited scheme that can now become reality,” says Cllr Clarke.
“Passengers, businesses, the economy and the image of the city can all benefit from a vast improvement to mobility in Birmingham city centre; the Metro extension has passed the highest level of scrutiny; its economic and environmental benefits are clear; and the Government is all but poised to sign the cheque. The opportunity is there to be seized,” he adds.
In today’s announcement, the Transport Minister said Centro would be granted the powers to build and operate a tram line from the existing Midland Metro line one at Snow Hill via New Street Station to the ICC, BrindleyPlace and Five Ways.
Last year’s public inquiry was told the scheme had a price tag of £72m and Centro had already secured provisional Government approval for this. The public transport promoter will now need to submit a final business case to confirm the funding.
The 3.2km tramway through the centre of Birmingham would enable people to journey from Snow Hill to Hagley Road in just 13 minutes. There would be ten, easy-access stops at street level and the route would serve the main shopping and business areas, as well as provide easy interchange with other forms of public transport.
The first Midland Metro line opened six years ago. It now carries a growing number of passengers and has the enviable record of being the region’s most reliable public transport system – but it was always envisaged as part of a much wider and integrated network. Another route from Wednesbury, through Dudley, to the Merry Hill Centre was approved six months ago following a similar public inquiry process to that for Birmingham city centre.
View Government news release
