It can often be difficult to keep up with what tram is in service and what tram is stored on the West Midlands Metro (especially the original batch of 21 Urbos3 trams) with repairs required and trips away for storage. But one recent change which can be confirmed is that 33 has returned to service following its latest trip to Dudley.
Significant dates in 33’s history saw it delivered to the West Midlands originally on 16th December 2014 before it was accepted for service on 4th June 2015. After being fitted with batteries it returned to service on 1st October 2019. It has since enjoyed at least two trips away to Dudley; the first was in the summer of 2023 with the second time seeing it leave Wednesbury Depot on 19th February 2026.
Whilst for some of the trams which come back from Dudley it seems to take a long time for them to be ready for service again, it hasn’t been the case for 33 with it back in action by 20th April 2026.
Other recent returnees to service have also included 27 (back Thursday 19th April) and 38 (returning 17th April). 29 also returned to use on driver training on 5th May 2026 with 30 in service on the same day. Meanwhile, 45 is on the missing list having not been noted in service since the autumn of 2025. As we did with all these comings and goings its very hard to keep up with what is and isn’t currently operational!
On the morning of 29th April 2026, 33 is seen here running along Stephenson Street in Birmingham City Centre, with an Edgbaston Village bound service. (Photograph by John Binch, 29th April 2026)
29 back out on driver training, seen at Wednesbury Parkway.
And 30 is seen here in service. It stands at Wolverhampton St George’s ahead of departing for Millennium Point and then Edgbaston Village. (Photographs x2 by Andy Walters)