No date yet for opening of new Wolverhampton Metro link but driver training 'on schedule'

Passenger services are set to begin in the coming weeks, marking an end to the project which was meant to be completed in 2020 but has been beset by budget rises and delays.

But there is still no date for the opening of the new 720 metre route, which has been designed and constructed by the Midland Metro Alliance, on behalf of Transport for West Midlands.

Transport bosses say the training for tram drivers along the new route is 'on schedule' and further updates on when it will open to passengers would be shared 'in due course'.

A Transport for West Midlands spokesman said: "Driver familiarisation on the new route is ongoing and continuing on schedule.

"Those in and around the area will continue to notice training trams across Pipers Row and Railway Drive.

"Updates on services, including when the new route will open to passengers will be shared in due course."

When the route opens to passengers, trams will call at new stops on Pipers Row and Wolverhampton Station as engineers from the Midland Metro Alliance complete additional activities at the existing St George’s terminus.

It has been seen as a shot in the arm to local economy and it is hoped better connectivity will encourage more people to visit the city and take advantage of venues such as the newly-opened The Halls Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre and the art gallery.

The Metro extension in Wolverhampton has seen its £35m budget balloon to around £50m.

The project was first delayed by 18 months due to construction work at the railway station.

Metro bosses then hoped the extension would be ready for the Commonwealth Games last July but pushed back the opening date until autumn 2022.

Last October the project was again pushed back to Spring 2023, which was missed.

Midlands Metro Alliance director Peter Cushing previously blamed “complexities” of installing the systems needed to run the trams down Pipers Row and supply chain problems for the delays.