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Midland Metro extension: Watch the first passenger tram finally call in at Birmingham New Street

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The Midland Metro finally arrived at Birmingham New Street today, after numerous delays.

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Enthusiasts were delighted to see the first tram heading down Birmingham New Street.

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Today, it was running every 15 minutes but from tomorrow will be more frequent at peak times and between eight and 15 minutes at other times.

The 1,300-yard route takes around five minutes and runs from Stephenson Street, to Corporation Street, to Bull Street and on to Snow Hill.

The £128 million link to New Street had beenexpected to open by September 2015.

Trams are also hoped to reach Centenary Square by 2019 and Five Ways by 2021.

A long term ambition to take trams to Birmingham Airport is also in the pipeline.

Pedestrians on New Street have been warned to take care over the next few days as the area has been a vehicle-free zone for decades.

The scheme came under fire from shop owners in Corporation Street in recent weeks with businesses claiming the delays had 'severely effected trade' after it was revealed the build had been developed at a rate of 32 inches a day.