The official word from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Transport for West Midlands still remains “autumn 2026” and no actual date will be announced publicly until testing and driver training is completed but the Leader of Dudley Council, Cllr Patrick Harley, has again gone public with a date for the opening of the first phase of the Black Country Line. According to recent reports he has been told that the line will open as far as Dudley on 1st November 2026 – the same date as the new bus station is due to open.
Quite why Cllr Harley has decided to give this date publicly – once bitten, twice shy springs to mind – is a mystery but this date does seem to have a bit more credence than the 28th August date he originally banded about earlier this year. Extensions on the West Midlands Metro have tended to open on a Sunday – 1st November is a Sunday whereas 28th August was not – and at least now trams have started commissioning, testing and driver training on the extension.
However, there is still no guarantee that this date will be met and there is a very good reason why TfWM have not even contemplated letting the public know when they may be able to enjoy a ride to Flood Street in Dudley. Even Cllr Harley is doubtful it will be met, which makes the question why mention it even stranger!
Quoted in the Wolverhampton Express and Star, Cllr Harley, said: “I now understand the date for opening both the tram line, and the bus station, will be November 1, they will both be opened together. But I won’t be holding my breath, given all the delays we have had.”
The opening of what is now known as the Black Country Line has been much delayed with it originally down to welcome passengers in 2023. This would have been the complete line all the way to Brierley Hill but a variety of issues have seen it delayed and split into two definite phases and the possibility of a third phase to Brierley Hill. Rising costs because of Covid have got most of the blame.
Whether 1st November 2026 proves to be a correct date remains to be seen. The autumn opening date that TfWM are apparently working towards does give a little bit more leeway beyond this with winter not commencing until 21st December!
Testing of the line has been continuing in recent weeks with the next step set to be driver training which will presumably not be too far off if this date is to be believed.
The aforementioned Dudley bus station is making good progress in its construction as seen here. Could both this and the tramway open on 1st November?
Another view of the bus station.
No entry barriers are now sitting on the platform as we see 44 during testing.
Will Dudley Castle be the third castle in the UK to see a tramway? Its certainly adding to the background of shots as we see it here during 44’s continued testing.
44 comes round onto Castle Hill during its testing.
44 passes the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre. The VLRIC currently remains the home of Urbos3 22 which has been the last tram to undergo repairs there. (All Photographs by Andy Walters, 9th September 2026)