West Midlands Metro - News & Discussion

[Cross City]

Apologies if I'm jumping the gun here, I couldn't find another general topic thread for the WMM.

Looks like the funding for the entire East Birmingham line between Digbeth and the NEC / HS2 Interchange is set to go ahead. Of course this pretty much seals the £3bn investment for the Birmingham City Sports Quarter too.

Massive Blues announcement as Government gives millions for Sports Quarter trams

Breaking news as the Blues £3 billion Sports Quarter dream is to become reality after region's mayor and government ministers worked together to release hundreds of millions to fund a new tram line

www.birminghammail.co.uk

The Government has today handed West Midlands mayor Richard Parker the mega-millions needed to fund a tram line from Birmingham to the planned new Birmingham City FC Stadium and Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green.

The much vaunted line will run from the city centre to the Sports Quarter, then later go on to Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham Airport, the NEC and the HS2 interchange at Arden Cross. The first phase could be ready in five years.

Exciting times for the city.

 

[birchesgreen]

Yes very good news, eventually the line will reach Birmingham Business Park (where i work) i think, though i'd have probably retired by then.

 

[Palmerston]

I assume the 2.4bn includes the cost of Midlands Rail Hub, so the Metro extension is the main 'new' project. Be interesting to see if there is anything else that hadn't already been announced.

 

[stuu]

I assume the 2.4bn includes the cost of Midlands Rail Hub, so the Metro extension is the main 'new' project. Be interesting to see if there is anything else that hadn't already been announced.

It definitely doesn't. The £2.4bn is the entire settlement for the region for five years, so includes all other transport spending like bus stops and road schemes

 

[Palmerston]

Cheers - noted.

 

[Snow1964]

Linking this drone video of new Curzon Street station area, towards the end it zooms in on a new tram line extension near Masshouse Lane (not sure of actual names for everything around there), and shows a temporary single platform on the second track, allowing trams to extend to the newly built bit. Looks almost finished and close to being ready to open

 

[djox]

Linking this drone video of new Curzon Street station area, towards the end it zooms in on a new tram line extension near Masshouse Lane (not sure of actual names for everything around there), and shows a temporary single platform on the second track, allowing trams to extend to the newly built bit. Looks almost finished and close to being ready to open

Rail Focus did a good explanation video about it.

 

[Snow1964]

New video of overnight testing on new line in Birmingham with 2 trams going same direction side by side

 

[Connacht]

Is there any update on the possible opening date of the extension to Dudley?

 

[spp]

Is there any update on the possible opening date of the extension to Dudley?

Sadly unsurprisingly delayed again, ‘early next year’.

It's official: Opening of Wednesbury-Dudley tramline will be delayed until next year, transport chiefs admit

The opening of the long-awaited tram link between Wednesbury and Dudley has been delayed until 'early next year', it has been confirmed.

www.expressandstar.com

 

[P Binnersley]

Walked some of the route yesterday. It looks largely complete; except for ~600m at Dudley Port where they have only levelled the formation and no sign of track or a station. It looks like the overhead finishes at Great Bridge.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 15 Oct 2025 ==

Validator poles being installed for contactless payment.

Installation of Validator Poles​

We’re upgrading how you pay for tram travel. Throughout autumn, validator poles are being installed at tram stops across the network in preparation for our new contactless ticketing system.
Earlier this year, we introduced new ticket machines at tram stops, the first step in our ‘Buy Before You Board’ initiative, designed to make purchasing tickets quicker and more convenient for passengers before they board the tram. The installation of validators marks the next phase in our strategy to modernise the ticketing experience across the West Midlands Metro network.
Set to go live in the New Year, these new smart ticketing validators will allow passengers to:

• Tap in and tap out at the start and end of their journey
• Pay directly using a contactless debit/credit card or mobile device
• Confirm ticket validity during inspections

This upgrade will make tram travel faster, fairer, and more flexible, giving passengers greater control over how and when they pay.

Benefits of the new Contactless System​

With the introduction of smart validators, contactless travel brings a better way to move across the West Midlands Metro network.

• Quick Boarding: Quick and easy, passengers can just tap in and out with no need to queue at ticket machines or handle cash.
• Best Value Fares: The system automatically calculates the best value fare for each journey, with daily and weekly caps.
• Flexible Payment Options: Ability to pay using any bank card, smartphone, smartwatch, or travel pass.
• Greener Travel: Reduces the use of paper tickets and supports a more sustainable transport system.
• Integrated Journeys: Work seamlessly across tram, bus, and train, making multi-modal travel easier than ever.

 

[Justin Tyme]

On 28 September Wolverhampton St Georges terminus was reopened, with Mon-Sat daytime trams running alternately to there and to Wolverhampton Station. However, it closes again from 19 October for some weeks for planned essential works.

Does anyone know why? I can't see the logic of opening a stop and then closing it again just 3 weeks later. Surely it would have been better to just wait until it could be opened permanently. Or am I missing something?

 

[spp]

On 28 September Wolverhampton St Georges terminus was reopened, with Mon-Sat daytime trams running alternately to there and to Wolverhampton Station. However, it closes again from 19 October for some weeks for planned essential works.

Does anyone know why? I can't see the logic of opening a stop and then closing it again just 3 weeks later. Surely it would have been better to just wait until it could be opened permanently. Or am I missing something?

Covered in it’s own thread

Wolverhampton St. Georges

Is this West Midlands Metro station still used. The timetable online seems to suggest that it is no longer in use. Anyone know if it is likely to be be reused again ?

www.railforums.co.uk

The two could probably be better off combined?

I agree with it being better to wait.

 

[The Pelican]

I visited Birmingham the week before last to try the two branches. Looking at the order of the extensions opening, I think the operators wanted to try multiple destination operation with a reasonably short branch- the St George's stop is very near Piper's Row on the Wolverhamton Station route. Coming into St George's from "The Royal," at least one passenger seemed suprised when it turned left instead of right.

The Millenium Point, or Eastside extension is supposed to open in November or December, and will mean two branches at both ends of the line- I presume the one that heads to New Street and Edgbaston will be the more popular for now. Does anyone know if any trams will operate from Edgbaston and New Street then turn right at the triangular junction to Millenium Point?

When the Dudley line opens the situation will become even more potentially confusing- there will have to be a minimum of three lines to serve the whole network.

 

[birchesgreen]

Potentially confusing for a short time perhaps but this happens with any changes, people will just get used to it. Its not like the metro changes as often as the bus service's city centre stops.

 

[P Binnersley]

Penalty Fare is increasing to £100

From the New Year year, the Penalty Fare for travelling without a valid ticket on the Metro network will increase to £100.​

This brings us in line with national transport standards and reflects our commitment to fairness across the Metro network. Travelling without a valid ticket is unfair to customers who do pay. Every ticket purchased helps fund improvements to service reliability, network expansion, and better passenger journeys.
This change is part of a broader strategy to modernise the ticketing experience across the West Midlands Metro network, making travel simpler, smarter, and more convenient for everyone.
In the future, as part of the new ticketing model – Buy Before You Board (BBYB), all passengers will soon be required to buy a valid ticket or have a valid pass before boarding the tram. This means tickets must be purchased in advance before they board the tram and not from conductors onboard.
For now, you can still purchase a ticket from the conductor on board the tram. We encourage all customers to start using the available options to buy tickets before travelling. This will help avoid a penalty fare charge when inspected by our new team of Revenue Officers.
In the coming months, Revenue Officers will be present across the Metro network to carry out regular checks on tickets and mobile payments. Their presence will ensure fairness, deter fare evasion and reinforce the importance of buying your ticket before you board.

Soon, travelling without a valid ticket may result in a £100 Penalty Fare.​

Contactless readers are in place at tram stops, but not in use ("To go live in 2026").

I think the current penalty fare is £20, but is almost unenforceable with ticket sales on board.

 

[Kite159]

I think the current penalty fare is £20, but is almost unenforceable with ticket sales on board.

Probably aimed for those who will buy a ticket for a shorter journey they are planning on making and hoping the conductor doesn't remember they only had a ticket to such a stop when that stop was 10 minutes earlier

 

[spp]

Penalty Fare is increasing to £100


Contactless readers are in place at tram stops, but not in use ("To go live in 2026").

I think the current penalty fare is £20, but is almost unenforceable with ticket sales on board.

Current fine is £10 but as you say unenforceable as you just pay on board anyway.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Nov 2025 ==

Probably aimed for those who will buy a ticket for a shorter journey they are planning on making and hoping the conductor doesn't remember they only had a ticket to such a stop when that stop was 10 minutes earlier

No as per the article to coincidence with the new fine they’re bringing back the requirement to have a ticket before boarding.

The conductors are being retrained as ‘inspectors’.

My main worry is the technology reliability, the new ticket machines on platforms have only been up a few months already I’ve noticed a number out of order and some completely boarded up.

There needs to be way more tap in poles than the one per station they’ve put in. Imagine getting off in Birmingham or Wolverhampton on a busy Saturday and queuing to to tap on, or queuing to tap on for the last tram home on a Saturday night, or tapping out at The Hawthorns prior to a game

 

[Wyrleybart]

I visited Birmingham the week before last to try the two branches. Looking at the order of the extensions opening, I think the operators wanted to try multiple destination operation with a reasonably short branch- the St George's stop is very near Piper's Row on the Wolverhamton Station route. Coming into St George's from "The Royal," at least one passenger seemed suprised when it turned left instead of right.

The Millenium Point, or Eastside extension is supposed to open in November or December, and will mean two branches at both ends of the line- I presume the one that heads to New Street and Edgbaston will be the more popular for now. Does anyone know if any trams will operate from Edgbaston and New Street then turn right at the triangular junction to Millenium Point?

When the Dudley line opens the situation will become even more potentially confusing- there will have to be a minimum of three lines to serve the whole network.

I think the situation might be regarded as confusing to some at the moment, but the system is transitioning from a single route, into a multi branch network.

Was fascinated to watch a youtube video yesterday of the developments around Wednesbury. They have passively provided a concrete tunnel or bridge to allow the future connectivity onto the formation of the South Staffs Dudley-Walsall trackbed, should there ever be a branch from Wednesbury to Walsall. Just imagine a tram train operation from Walsall to Merry Hill using heavy rail to to the recently reinstated stub of line beyond Pleck Jn towards the Dudley line under the M6, then continuing as light rail to Wednesbury. It would be very useful in serving the Academy and the retail park at Junction 9.

 

[DaventryRabbit]

Just wondering if there was any chance of Millenium Point opening this side of the New Year?

TIA for any info

 

[317 forever]

The most recent Today's Railways UK points to the extension to Dudley earmarked for opening next April.

 

[birchesgreen]

Just wondering if there was any chance of Millenium Point opening this side of the New Year?

TIA for any info

I think it has slipped to early 2026 now, i can't remember where i read that though so pinch of salt et cetera.

 

[DaventryRabbit]

I think it has slipped to early 2026 now, i can't remember where i read that though so pinch of salt et cetera.

Thanks. Thought so

 

[spp]

The most recent Today's Railways UK points to the extension to Dudley earmarked for opening next April.

April! It was meant to be this year then ‘slightly delayed’.

Fares going up soon though I bet those won’t be delayed.

 

[daveid]

I visited Albert Street and Millennium Point tram stops tonight and saw this diagram at the latter. Interestingly the split between the Brierley Hill and Wolverhampton sections is depicted the wrong way round.

 

[Noddy]

The Midlands Metro Alliance has said work is underway in Meriden Street as part of the Birmingham Eastside metro extension.

It is expected the section between High Street and Coventry Street in Digbeth will be open to the public from April, with construction moving up towards Fazeley Street and New Bartholomew Street in sections.

The work is being delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority and Transport for West Midlands.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has pledged £400m towards a further extension from Digbeth to Birmingham City's new stadium - the Sports Quarter - which will include a new tram line and provision for an eventual route through Chelmsley Wood to Birmingham Airport.

Five key things happening in Birmingham in 2026

A major sports event, new rail stations and fortnightly bin collections are set to enliven the city.

www.bbc.co.uk

Is there any actual news as to when the extension to the temporary station next to Curzon Street is likely to open?

 

[barbette165]

Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension – Midland Metro Alliance

metroalliance.co.uk

This is the ’latest’ information on the Midland Metro Alliance website.

My interpretation is that the ‘open to the public in April’ only refers to the roads that are being used for construction. Furthe caution is needed in that the update also says that they anticipate that the extension to the temporary terminus will be in use before Christmas.

 

[Snow1964]

A new video has been uploaded which shows construction and progress of West Midlands metro in Dudley, Dudley Castle and Great bridge areas, the video author things it could be open as early as Easter

 

[Northerngirl]

This has to be the model for rail infrastructure going forward, I just don't understand how its possible to be so slow when obliviously they can do it in a matter of months when network rail beurocracy isn't part of the process

 

[Kite159]

This has to be the model for rail infrastructure going forward, I just don't understand how its possible to be so slow when obliviously they can do it in a matter of months when network rail beurocracy isn't part of the process

I guess it also helps that the route doesn't need to be fully wired due to the trams having batteries, which can reduce build time (ie any low bridges).