An agreement that brings the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Midland Metro extension closer to reality is to be signed by public transport promoter Centro and Sandwell MBC.

The partners in the scheme have agreed their roles on delivering funding, construction, operation and maintenance of the route following confirmation by the Government last December that the extension had been approved.

The agreement will be signed this Thursday 31 March.

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 just 23 minutes. It is hoped to have trams running by 2011.

“I am delighted Centro is signing this major agreement with Sandwell that cements the determination of both parties to deliver this important transport and regeneration project to people in the Black Country as soon as possible,” said Cllr Roger Horton, lead member for Metro and Sandwell on the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority. “We are all now able to move forward with the next important phases of the Metro route’s development.”

Cllr Bob Badham, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport, said: “This is another exciting scheme that’s going to make sure Sandwell remains at the heart of the Metro network in the West Midlands. We’ve already got the majority of stations in our area on the line from Birmingham to Wolverhampton. This extra new line will add another travel dimension for the people of Sandwell and the West Midlands.”