Christmas has come early for the people of the Black Country according to transport bosses.

Public transport promoter Centro and councillors on the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority have responded with joy at today’s Government approval for a major extension of the Midland Metro tram system.

Transport Minister David Jamieson made the announcement earlier this morning.  He said the Government would grant Centro the powers to extend the light rapid transit system from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, via Dudley.

The decision follows a public inquiry into the £139m scheme earlier this year.

“The inquiry Inspector concluded that this extension of the Midland Metro would bring transport, regeneration and socio-economic benefits to the area. We agree with him,” commented the Transport Minister today.  “The scheme would improve accessibility to and within the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill transport corridor. It would run through some deprived areas and serve some new development sites. It would also provide an attractive alternative to the use of the car," he said.

Centro is confident of now submitting a positive business case to secure the necessary Government finance and attracting local funding.  It claims the Metro extension could create more than 750 jobs and lead to an increase in local property values.

“Extending the Midland Metro between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill is a crucial step in providing the high quality public transport worthy of a major region,” comments PTA chairman Cllr Gary Clarke.  “This is a wonderful Christmas present for the people of the Black Country.”

He said the successful outcome to the public inquiry was a great tribute to the partnership working between Centro and Dudley and Sandwell councils.

The 11km Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro route will have 13 easy-access stops with four Park and Ride sites serving shopping and business areas in Great Bridge, Dudley Port (connecting with local train services), Dudley town centre, the Waterfront and Merry Hill before terminating near High Street, Brierley Hill.  Modern trams would cover the distance in 23 minutes, travelling on-street through parts of Dudley and following the route of a mothballed railway line for much of the remaining journey.

"Modern trams have proved immensely popular elsewhere because they get people close to their destination in comfort,” says Centro director general Rob Donald.  “The vehicles are reliable, emission-free and fully accessible.  Once this system is running in a few years time, moving around the Black Country will be so much easier for everyone,” he adds.

Supporting media information

See news analysis for more about the public inquiry.
Click  here to see DfT news release.
More links, images and map below.