People travelling on the West Midlands most reliable mode of transport – the Midland Metro – will soon get an even better service thanks to a series of improvements taking place over the next year.

Transport authority Centro and Travel Midland Metro are working together to make enhancements to the current tram system to make sure it keeps it’s 99.7 per cent reliability in the future.

The work taking place includes:

• An upgrade to the over head power lines with new materials with a lifespan of 20 – 30 years making the system more robustso they will not require the same level of maintenance work therefore reducing the risk of delays on the tram system for passengers
• Improvements to the communications system, installing the latest technology to provide better passenger information announcements and enhanced help point facilities at stops.
• Enhanced communication and management of tram movements to ensure a consistent and dependable service into the future
• An update of the CCTV control system to make it easier for staff to monitor the system from the depot.

To bring in these improvements in a way that causes least disruption for passengers, the tram network will be closed for one week in the autumn between Birmingham Snow Hill and Black Lake.

A second closure between Black Lake and Priestfield will take place in spring next year.

The work will be undertaken at the same time as other improvements and operational work to make sure that disruption to the public is kept to a minimum.

Centro and Travel Midland Metro are working together to put in place alternative travel arrangements to ensure passengers can still easily complete their journeys.

A publicity campaign will take place nearer the time to make sure people are aware of the dates of the closure and alternative travel options with plenty of notice.

Sophie Allison, Metro Partnerships Manager at Centro said: “Centro and Travel Midland Metro are committed to working together to make sure Metro passengers get the best tram service possible.

“It is already the West Midlands most reliable mode of transport, and this overhead line upgrade will maintain its great record of almost 100 per cent reliability well into the future.

“The communications upgrade will provide better announcements, and make it much easier for depot staff to respond to passengers’ comments and monitor CCTV, improving our customer service.

“It is unfortunate we have to partially close the tram system for a week this autumn and again next spring to do the upgrades, but doing the work in any other way would take significantly longer and cause much more disruption to passengers.

“We are working closely with Travel Midland Metro to ensure alternative arrangements are in place while the upgrades are taking place, and will make sure we let passengers have all the information they need well in advance of the closure.”