Whilst most of the time tram and light rail systems across the British Isles operate as per their published timetable without any big issues there are occasions when things don’t quite go according to plan. And is some more extreme cases that means that a tram fails and cannot be moved under its own power – as happened on the West Midlands Metro on Tuesday 9th July 2024.
For those who keep a close eye on the introduction of new tram types you will probably notice that one of the tests which is undertaken is the ability of one tram to tow another. Although its hoped that will never be needed we all know that you can’t have a 100% success rate, 100% of the time. It does seem relatively rate to see two trams coupled together – except of course in Manchester where that is part of normal operation – but it does happen and it was captured on the West Midlands Metro where a newer Urbos100 was rescuing an older Urbos3.
Is it the longest twin set? Are West Midlands Metro trying to save costs by running double capacity services with only one driver and one conductor?! No! 30 (at the rear) had failed and was being returned to depot by Urbos100 55. The pair make their way through West Bromwich Central. (Photograph by Mark Cufflin, 9th July 2024)