The latest edition of Tramlines has now been released on the Midland Metro website and now following is the a news round-up of the current developments on the line.
* The crossover at The Royal was reinstated in February after substantial investment to carry out major refurbishment work. The renewal of the crossover now gives Midland Metro more operational flexibility (something Blackpool are removing with the axing of several crossovers and loop line) when there are incidents at the Wolverhampton ring road or at St Georges stop allowing trams to terminate at The Royal rather than Priestfield.
* The viaduct currently being constructed next to Birmingham Snow Hill station is progressing – this will eventually carry the Metro line through the city centre. It has been funded by developer Ballymore as a contribution to the extension – saving £9 million on the project cost. When completed the development will have an active frontage to the Metro line including shops and cafes.
* Paul Fieldhouse – maintenance team member – has been named at Midland Metro employee of the year 2007. Paul was nominated by his colleagues as a result of the commitment and dedication he displayed following the vandalism attack on 30th May 2007.
Fred Roberts, General Manager of Travel Midland Metro, said: “During this period Paul worked on several of his days off and worked long hours over an extended period of time to assist with reinstatement of the overhead line and get the Metro operating again as quickly as possible. He even worked on his 39th wedding anniversary, cancelling an anniversary meal that he’d booked with his wife – brave man!”
* The service performance during January saw 98.35% of all scheduled services operate in accordance with the timetable.
* The latest edition of Tramlines is available here.
Source: Midland Metro