Midland Metro to get £500,000 upgrade

A £500,000 investment will see upgrades to CCTV, public address systems and customer help-points on the Midland Metro.

Announcements should be clearer with an improved public address system as well as there being new help point services on trams and in stations.

The firm is also investing in a new CCTV control system that will allow security staff to manoeuvre cameras from the control room.

Midland Metro manager Fred Roberts told a meeting at Sandwell Council House: "This upgrade is due to be commissioned in early April and will greatly improve the communication systems on the tram system."

The upgrade will be rolled out throughout April so passengers should see very little disruption to services, security and safety on the trams and at stations. Mr Roberts added this year the company also plans to upgrade the systems which monitor the voltage to high level overhead lines.

In a separate £400,000 programme, Midland Metro will also be carrying out major engineering works between April 17 to 20 which will result in the temporary closure of the line between Wolverhampton St George's and Wednesbury Parkway.

The upgrade will replace the supports to the overhead power lines with new materials that enjoy a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

Travel authority Centro spokesman Mark Langford said: "This is a continuation of the upgrade of the overhead electric cable which took place last October. It will also allow other maintenance work to take place avoiding the need for any further disruption."

During the works, passengers who need to travel between Wolverhampton St George's and Wednesbury Parkway can use Midland Metro tickets on the 79 and 126 National Express bus services.