The wait may be continuing for the start of passenger services on the Black Country line but little by little we are gradually getting closer with the line now having been officially handed over to West Midlands Metro from the Midland Metro Alliance.
This handover has been swiftly followed by significant overnight testing with eight trams out to simulate a full service on the line. This has happened on two occasions so far with one more expected before the next stage of preparations gets underway – driver training.
The first night of these tests took place after the normal service had ended on Wednesday 14th October and this was followed 24 hours later by another full simulated service.
On the first night trams 17, 18, 19, 24, 28, 33, 36 and 44 were used between 0130 and 0345 with 18, 19, 21, 24, 28, 33, 36 and 44 used on the second night. Both 18 and 44 have been used for testing on the extension for a while with the others joining in the fun on these occasions.
Although the leader of Dudley Council had stated he had been told the line would open on 1st November, no official date has ever been mentioned by either Transport for West Midlands or West Midlands Metro. Indeed the only official word has been “autumn 2026” which still gives two months for public services to get underway.
The Black Country line (as it has been named in official literature) leaves the original Birmingham to Wolverhampton line at Wednesbury Great Western via Tipton Junction. It then travels on the former South Staffordshire railway line towards Dudley before terminating at Flood Street.
33 rounds the corner close to the Flood Street terminus during the overnight tests.
19 also out on test.
28 is seen at the Dudley Interchange tramstop.
24 pauses.
The animals are all tucked up in bed unaware of the historic testing taking place outside their home as we see 36 on test passing the entrance to Dudley Zoo. (All Photographs by Andy Walters)