There have been a couple of significant changes to the Midland Metro tram fleet this week with the latest Urbos3 arriving from Spain swiftly followed by the withdrawal of another T69 from service. All of this in the same week as the operating fleet is set to have its biggest shake up since opening with the planned entry into service of the first Urbos3s on Friday 5th September.
On Tuesday 2nd September Urbos 3 29 arrived at Wednesbury Depot shortly after 1000 and was soon unloaded in two sections before being moved into the workshops and reconnected. It is now stabled in the depot yard alongside the other previously delivered Urbos 3 trams, some of which are still believed not to have started testing on the main line with the concentration having been on ensuring enough vehicles have run the 1800km fault free running ahead of an entry into service.
Just a day later the operational T69 fleet was decreased by one example with 13 now having been officially withdrawn from service. It is believed that the tram last ran in passenger service on 28th August but it is now stabled in the depot yard behind 03 with the front skirts missing and is expected to make the journey to Long Marston in the future.
Thursday 4th September will see the last fully T69 operated service with the first of the Urbos 3s due to enter service from Friday 5th September. According to the Centro press release four Urbos 3s will be available for service from that date but at this stage it has not been confirmed which examples these will be. 5th September will also be the only opportunity to capture Urbos 3s at Wolverhampton St George’s before the rail replacement takes place which sees no trams beyond Priestfield from Saturday 6th September.
The following T69s are now available for service:
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
15
16
01, 02, 03 and 13 have been withdrawn and 14 is now at Long Marston as part of the UK Tram test fleet.
On 26th August - just 2 days before it ran its last journeys - 13 arrives at Kenrick Park heading for Birmingham.
Ahead of the entry into service of the first Urbos 3 trams tests were undertaken at the Depot on 2nd September which saw the horns given a run out as shown here (although obviously it was the sound they were looking for not the sight!)
A view of half of 29 at the depot on 2nd September following delivery.
Three trams for the price of one photo on 2nd September. T69s 04 and 11 operating on service are joined by Urbos 3 22 during testing. (All Photos: Andy Walters)
There was delays on the 2nd september on the route. I have noticed when there seems to be a new tram arriving there are delays on midland metro
Today 18,20,21 & 23 were in service .