West Midlands Metro 56 has become the latest tram on the network to be named. It was named in a special ceremony at Wednesbury Depot on Monday 30th September and now carries the name Amman Ahmed, a 21 year old volunteer from Dudley who has been recognised in the 50for50WM campaign.
The 50for50WM campaign was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the West Midlands County. It aims to recognise, celebrate and thank dedicated volunteers who have made significant contributions to their local communities.
Amman Ahmed has been a devoted volunteer across Dudley across Dudley and the West Midlands for a number of years. Starting from his time as a learner at Pegasus Academy, he held the role of Deputy Head Boy and through his volunteer work with Dudley Youth Council, he has championed youth voices, led initiatives on homelessness and knife crime and demonstrates a strong commitment to social change.
He has also helped establish a stop and search committee as a Youth Commissioner and serves as a governor for the St John Bosco Local Secondary Board. As a governor he has linked responsibilities over personal development and mental health aiming to advocate decisions that improve learner experiences. He also fosters inclusivity and civic responsibility among students through work with Dudley Council Student Union and their annual Ramadan football event.
Amman said: “For me, volunteering has always been about making a difference, driving positive change and showing that when we come together, we can make a real difference. Seeing my name on the side of the tram is incredibly humbling and to share the moment with my family was very special. I hope this recognition serves as a reminder to everyone that we all can shape our communities and change lives.”
The naming ceremony was attended by Amman and his family along with Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Dr Derrick Anderson CBE, Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker and community leaders.
Derrick Anderson CBE said: “Amman embodies the true spirit of community, and his ongoing efforts and contributions continue to enrich the lives of so many in Dudley and the wider West Midlands. Naming this tram in his honour is a small way to celebrate his outstanding volunteer work, and we’re incredibly proud and thankful for everything he has done and continues to do.”
Richard Parker added: “Amman joins high profile personalities like Ozzy Osbourne, Jasper Carrott and Cyrille Regis in having one of our trams named after him and it’s an honour he thoroughly deserves. His tireless voluntary work, community campaigning and youth leadership in Dudley, is an inspiration to us all.
“This tribute is our way of saying thank you on behalf of the community to not only Amman but all those other selfless volunteers who give up their time freely and put others first.”
56 uses the crossover at Library – which was being used as owing to the Conservative Party Conference no trams were able to run any further towards Edgbaston Village – showing its new name just below the West Midlands Metro 25th anniversary logo.
A close-up of the new name in the standard West Midlands Metro Urbos format. (Both Photographs by Andy Walters, 2nd October 2024)