New tram lines and rail services to be considered for Black Country
Tram lines and light rail services connecting the Black Country's key towns and cities with each other and Birmingham are to be considered by transport chiefs.
The West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, which meets next Wednesday, is considering reviving the long-stalled plans for a second Midland Metro line to connect the Merry Hill Centre with Wednesbury along the old Stourbridge freight line.
It follows revived interest in a line linking Wolverhampton rail station with New Cross Hospital.
Options include 'very light rail' similar to the £20 million plan for 'tram trains' to link Dudley Port station, in Tipton, to the site of Dudley's former station at the bottom of Castle Hill, close to Dudley Zoo, Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Canal Trust.
A report to council leaders says it is re-visiting plans with 'the first stated priority being the Walsall to Stourbridge corridor to provide high-quality access to Merry Hill and Brierley Hill'.
The report reveals legal powers remain in place to allow the line to be built 'although to date it has not proved possible to secure funding'.
It adds: "In recognition of the difficulties in securing funding, the potential for Very Light Rail using innovative methods of track construction and motive power are being investigated in tandem with proposals for a Light Rail Innovation Centre alongside the route.
It follows a request from Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton councils which are keen to see a rapid transit network linking town centres for employment, education and leisure.
If given the go-ahead, the review is likely to determine which routes and types of vehicle can offer the best options in terms of benefit and value for money.
It would also take into consideration new developments such as the Black Country Enterprise Zones at i54 and Darlaston and the need to link into the HS2 high speed rail line and existing rapid transit routes including the forthcoming Metro extension from Wolverhampton St George's to the city's bus and rail stations.
Wolverhampton City Council leader Roger Lawrence, said: "The principle of a high quality rapid transit system for the Black Country remains a priority.
"Such a network would provide the transport infrastructure needed to support ambitions for future economic growth and the creation of much needed jobs.
"However, it's been a number of years since this was first looked at and during that time we have seen the emergence of key developments such as HS2, i54 and the planned super hospital at Smethwick.
"It's therefore important we ensure this network has the right routes and connections for the future and delivers the maximum economic benefits possible for the cost."
