Midland Metro are celebrating after becoming the first tram network in the UK to win a prestigious award for passenger safety and crime reduction. All 23 stops on the line, which links Birmingham Snow Hill and Wolverhampton St Georges, have been given the Safer Tram Stop Award by the Secured by Design organisation and the Association of Chief Police Officers.
The judges from the two organisations travelled the line inspecting the facilities at stops and also interviewed passengers, asking questions about how safe they felt using the Metro and what they felt could be done to improve it.
Cllr Roger Horton, Centro’s lead member for Transforming Rail, said: “The Safer Travel Partnership has been highly successful in reducing crime on the region’s transport system and this award is a reflection of their commitment. It is also encouraging how passengers have recognised and supported the extra CCTV at stops as well as the additional help points and police patrols that have helped make the Metro such a safe form of transport.”
Dean Watkins, General Manager of National Express Midland Metro, added: “The safety and security of our passengers is a key priority for us and the Safer Tram Stop Award validates and recognises the work we have done in partnership with Centro and British Transport Police in this area and represents a significant achievement for us”.