As mentioned earlier this week testing/driver familiarisation is now underway on the West Midlands Metro extension to Edgbaston Village ahead of a start of public services at some point in the near future (and hoped to be before the Commonwealth Games get underway on 28th July). One tram a day is being used for these tests with the tram being used to run between Library and Edgbaston Village on several occasions.
With testing having taken place every day of this week so far, 38 and 22 have been the trams used – one Urbos100 and one Urbos3. The runs are being used as driver training runs so that all drivers will be cleared for the route by the time services commence. Ahead of being allowed to drive on the route all the drivers are out through their paces on the simulator back at the depot.
The 1.35km extension from Library to Edgbaston Village is the second phase of the Birmingham Westside line. The first stage had opened as far as Library in December 2019, becoming the first section of line on a modern UK tramway to be built without overhead wires. The majority of the remaining phase will also be without wires although there will be a small section at Edgbaston Village which will have overhead installed.
An official announcement of the opening of the line will follow in due course.
38 stands at Edgbaston Village in between runs. As can be seen there remain barriers on the platforms with some additional work required to the stop before service can get underway.
38 approaching Edgbaston Village. The scissors crossover providing access to and from both platforms is located in the green painted area.
Another look at 38, this time at Five Ways. The tram is heading towards Edgbaston Village.
Moving further towards the city centre here we see 38 once more. Its bound for Edgbaston again.
And 38 features again with heading into Birmingham on Broad Street as it crosses the canal. (All Photographs by Andy Walters, 7th July 2022)
Some great scenes..a fine tramway.