Exciting plans to run 21st century trams through the streets of Birmingham city centre took an important step forward recently after being given initial funding approval by the Government.

The announcement shows the Department for Transport's commitment for the £127.1 million scheme which will see our Midland Metro trams exit Snow Hill Station and on through the heart of the shopping district before terminating outside a rebuilt New Street Station.

The joint project by Centro, the region's transport authority, Birmingham City and the Black Country councils, will provide a fast link between Birmingham's two major rail stations. In welcoming today's announcement, Geoff Inskip, Chief Executive of Centro said: "We're very keen to start work so we can bring the massive benefits of Midland Metro tram system through the city to both residents and visitors."

The project is set to see a fleet of cutting edge trams, replacing those presently running on the line between Snow Hill and Wolverhampton, the construction of a new maintenance depot at Wednesbury and platform lengthening at existing Metro stops. The new trams will bring major benefits to Metro in the Black Country, increasing passenger capacity and frequency of service.

BACK

> NEWS ARCHIVE