The recent pattern of the same adverts appearing on trams on both the West Midlands Metro and Manchester Metrolink has continued with Xero taking out contracts on both systems within a couple of days of each other. The trams to carry the adverts are West Midlands Metro 47 and Manchester Metrolink 3102.
Once again the adverts are very similar (the only differences really taking into consideration the different shapes of the trams involved) and feature a pleasant shade of blue which isn’t too dissimilar to the usual West Midlands Metro fleet livery.
Both sets of vinyls were applied to the trams over a few days in mid/late-March with the West Midlands Metro first off the blocks as 47 debuted with its new look on Saturday 21st March 2026.
This is the second time that 47 has carried an advert, both of which have happened during 2026 following its ad for itv which was seen in January/February of this year.
Just two days later and Manchester Metrolink 3102 was also debuting with its own advert for Xero. These vinyls were rapidly applied on the previous day with the tram having been out in service with its previous advert for L’Oreal on Saturday 21st March – showing just how quickly advertising vinyls can be applied!
This is now the ninth advert for 3102 since it received its first for Welcome Back Manchester in June 2021. Of interest (well its of interest to some of us anyway!) is that one of its previous adverts was for itv meaning that for the second time in 2026 it is wearing the same vinyls as West Midlands Metro 47!
Meanwhile, back on the West Midlands Metro and 43 is now running in full fleet livery again. Its partial advert for Business Growth West Midlands has now been removed, it returning to service on Monday 23rd March in full blue again – it only was only running the previous day with the vinyls still in place! Another example of how quick adverts can be added and removed to trams!
Despite claims to the contrary, 47 is seen here running to Wolverhampton St George’s on its first day in use with its new advert for Xero. The tram is about to arrive at St Chad’s as it runs along the grassed section of track alongside Birmingham Snow Hill Railway Station. (Photograph by John Binch, 21st March 2026)
Another look at 47’s new look. Although similar in colour to West Midlands Metro fleet livery the difference between the two blues can be ascertained here. (Photograph by Shiv Patel, 21st March 2026)
A close look at some of the detail of the Xero advert. (Photograph by Andy Walters, 21st March 2026)
Snap! Manchester Metrolink 3102 has also received the advert for Xero. A mid-morning entry into service saw it debut on Monday 23rd March 2026 and we see the tram approaching the tramstop at Holt Town with a service from Ashton-under-Lyne to Eccles. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 23rd March 2026)
West Midlands Metro 43 back to fleet livery. Its seen here at Wednesbury Parkway with a Wolverhampton St George’s to Bull Street service. (Photograph by Shiv Patel, 23rd March 2026)