West Midlands Metro have now used eight Urbos3 trams since services resumed in June with the latest to return to service being 31, which like most of its fellow class members has returned to action with sections of plain white where the vinyls have yet to be applied.
We last saw 31 when it was out on test during July and after further testing it was cleared for action in order for it to return to service in the week commencing 8th August 2022.
The eight trams which have now seen action are: 18, 19, 21, 22, 31, 34, 36 and 37. Coupled with the eight commissioned Urbos100 trams (38–45) this gives a fleet of up to 16 available to operate the service. It was originally stated that they wanted 12-15 to resume services so this has now been met so could there be a service frequency improvement on the horizon or will we need to wait for longer so they can be sure when services finally start to Wolverhampton Railway Station they don’t have to reduce services again?
23 has also been noted in the depot yard looking as if it too is nearly ready for a return for service. 25, 26 and 32 remain stored at the bottom of the yard seemingly with no work having been undertaken on them as yet.
31 pauses at West Bromwich Central with a service for Edgbaston Village. Note the missing sections of vinyl where repairs have taken place. (Photograph by Andy Walters, 13th August 2022)
Another of the eight Urbos3s to be used has been 21. This shows it here at Library also heading for Edgbaston Village. (Photograph by Michael Morton, 11th August 2022)