Children from Birmingham and the Black Country are being taught all about the Midland Metro tram system and proposed extensions thanks to special school sessions organised by Centro-PTA.
Tram experts from the region’s public transport body are visiting West Midland’s schools to give talks and educational Metro activity packs to the region’s next generation of commuters.
Included in the packs, which are aimed at seven to 11 year olds, is information on how trams work, how to use trams safely, and why they are so important in providing a green, reliable and sustainable mode of transport.
It is hoped that the sessions will help encourage the children to think about using trams, as well as buses, trains, walking and cycling, to help to save the planet, as well as discussing these issues with their families.
The packs also contain details of the new Phase One extensions from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill and through Birmingham City Centre, which it is hoped will be running in 2012.
These will provide development, regeneration and over 4,000 jobs in the region, which will directly benefit many of the children when they leave school.
Representatives from operator Travel Midland Metro will attend some of the sessions to teach the children about the sorts of jobs available working on the tram system, including conductors, engineers and drivers.
As well as information, the activity packs include a number of fun, interactive activities including a board game, puzzles, colouring in and a tram model which the children can make, which will teach the children more about the Midland Metro.
“These school children are the commuters of tomorrow and will be leaving school just as the new extensions are completed,” says Cllr Roger Horton, lead member for Metro for Centro-PTA.
“It is vital that we teach them now about the importance of using green modes of public transport like the Midland Metro instead of relying on cars, so we can work towards reducing congestion in the long term as well as the short term.”
Any Black Country or Birmingham primary schools that are interested in receiving a Midland Metro session from Centro-PTA can contact Susan Bridges on 0121 214 7103 or email susanbridges@centro.org.uk
