Although most eyes of modern light rail connecting Dudley is on the West Midlands Metro extension currently under test (ahead of a planned opening later this year), there is also another proposal which would see Stourbridge and Dudley linked. Promoted by Pre Metro Operations Ltd (operator of the Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town shuttle service) this would see Very Light Rail technology used on a new line.
To promote the idea, and to get support from local authorities, Pre Metro Operations Ltd recently attended a meeting. This was hosted by local MP Cat Eccles with Balvinder Heran (Dudley Council Chief Executive), Anne Boyd (Director for Growth and Infrastructure at Dudley Council), Sandeep Shingardia (Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands), and Dean Hubbard (Black Country Transport).
Pre Metro outlined their ambitions for the Dudley Dasher with the key purpose of the meeting being to develop a shared understanding of how the proposal could progress alongside other major programmes of work in the region, instead of just being considered in isolation.
Steve Jasper, Pre Metro Chairman, said: “Bringing key organisations around the same table is an important step. We now have an opportunity to work collaboratively, understand how the Dasher can complement wider transport and regeneration plans, and establish a realistic pathway for taking the proposal forward.”
A larger-scale meeting is expected to take place later this year where its hoped that the key stakeholders will agree on a shared position on how the plans can be a success.