For anyone waiting to catch a tram to Library again on the West Midlands Metro your wait will go on as its been confirmed that the latest opening date of Sunday 6th February will not be met. In probably a sensible move no new date has been announced as they continue to work hard to ensure enough trams are available to operate a full service.
As well as confirming that the wait goes on for a full service resumption the latest announcement also gives details of a reduced service to run on the section from Bull Street to Wolverhampton St George’s as from Sunday 6th February. With the tram shortage issues we have seen – and reported on – earlier this week the previous 10 minute frequency throughout the day will be reduced to every 12 minutes. The service after 1900 will remain a tram every 15 minutes.
The one bright spark in all this is that trams have started to run further into Birmingham City Centre beyond Bull Street on driver training and testing. Its also mentioned in this latest release that this will be continuing as preparations for opening the full line continue.
In a statement West Midlands Metro said: “We are continuing to work hard to resume services to Library. From Sunday 6th February, there will be slight changes to our timetable, and you will see trams travelling between Bull Street and Library in preparation for opening the full line. Thank you for your understanding while the work to resume services continues. As soon as we can safely operate services to Library, an announcement will be made.”
A tram at Grand Central heading for Library! Who would have thought this time last year such a sight would be such an unusual occurrence? 40 was being used for testing on the Birmingham City Centre line on 3rd February and is seen here at Grand Central about to depart for Library. (Photograph by keith47424)
Meanwhile down at the depot there are plenty of trams, just not trams which are available for service leading to reduced frequencies and no extension of service to Library. There are at least 12 trams in this view. (Photograph by Andy Walters, 3rd February 2022)