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% reliability in the future. Work will include an upgrade to the overhead line and improvements to the communications system.
In order for the improvements to take place there will be a couple of closures of parts of the system in the next year or so with the section between Birmingham Snow Hill and Black Lake closed this autumn and between Black Lake and Priestfield in spring next year.
The work taking place includes:
* An upgrade to the overhead power lines with new materials with a lifespan of 20-30 years making the system more robust so they will not require the same level of maintenance work therefore reducing the risk of delays 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.
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.
Sophie Allison, Metro Partnership 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.”
Details of the closures will be announced closer to the time with a major publicity campaign due to take place with details of the closure and alternative travel options.
Source: Centro