When the first tram ran on test on 28th October along Corporation Street to make sure all was well with the relaid track on the West Midlands Metro it was thought that it would be a matter of days before we would see the resumption of public services between Bull Street and Library. However, the process of fully commissioning the line and ensuring all drivers are signed off for the route has been continuing over the past week and a bit and as yet there has been no announcement of when a full service to Library will resume.
The pattern of driver familiarisation over the past few days has seen one tram allocated to run between Bull Street and Library (on its return it heads up to St Chads to use the crossover there before returning for another go on the newly laid track). Trams which have been used include 36 (1st November), 23 (3rd November), 17 (4th November) and 32 (5th November).
A post on the West Midlands Metro website explains that there are “further checks and tests we need to undertake. This is to ensure that we can run our service safely, and that our drivers are able to familiarise themselves with any changes to the previous layout”. It goes on to say that they are doing this as quickly as possible and will be making further announcements as soon as they can.
The only barriers now in situ in Birmingham City Centre surround the Eastside extension. This view on 31st October shows the line leading from the Bull Street/Corporation Street junction.
Corporation Street stop now clear of barriers showing the newly laid tracks, final surface and line painting.
17 runs past House of Fraser on Corporation Street during a test run on 4th November.
17 stands at Library during its testing.
Yep that’s a Christmas tree! 32 was testing on 5th November and is seen here just turning towards Town Hall in Victoria Square.
32 at Town Hall on 5th November, not in service with drivers being refamiliarised. (All Photographs by Andy Walters)