There is a new advertising livery on the West Midlands Metro with 45 becoming the latest Urbos100 to lose its standard fleet colours with a new vinyl wrap applied over. Whilst not a full wrap (the ends remain in fleet livery) it is more than most of the other adverts seen on the network previously as the rest of the tram has now received the new vinyls.
The advertiser on 45 is the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) with the main colour of the advert being a pale yellow and including black lettering. Featuring extensive contravision, some of which are very large CBSO letters, the advertising contract comes as West Midlands Metro are announced as an official travel partner of the CBSO with the tram serving many of the venues hosting performances by the 90 strong orchestra and their associated choirs and youth ensembles.
Elizabeth Cole, Metro’s Marketing Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with such an iconic organisation that has entertained and inspired thousands of people through its epic and meaningful music while supporting scores of local musicians. The ‘home’ of the orchestra is just a short walk from our Town Hall and Library stops and so it couldn’t be easier for music lovers to take the tram to the venue, and visitors from outside the city can also take advantage of our park and ride facilities. With our service running till late, concert-goers can enjoy every performance knowing that Metro will be there to get them home.”
Beki Smith, Director of Marketing and Communications at CBSO, said: “We are really excited to be working alongside West Midlands Metro on this brand-new partnership. Not only does it provide exciting new advertising opportunities for both parties and the chance to reach wider audiences, it also feeds into the mission we both share to make travel into Birmingham easier and greener.”
This is 45’s first advertising livery and now means that there are two Urbos100 trams which carry ads (although 42 is a partial all over advert).
The new look for 45 is seen as the tram calls at West Bromwich Central heading for Edgbaston Village. (Photograph by Mark Cufflin, 3rd May 2023)
Taking a closer look at one of the centre cars asking Birmingham to make some noise.
And a view of one of the end cars showing the very large CBSO lettering. (Photographs x2 by Andy Walters, 3rd May 2023)
More of the detail of the advert. (Photograph by Sarah Nicholls, 4th May 2023)