West Midlands Metro tram journeys surge past pre-Covid levels - and they should get even busier

New data from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows 8.3 million journeys were made in the past year, representing a 53.7 per cent increase over 2023, and passing the eight million recorded in 2019.

Bosses said the positive performance follows significant investment in the network including the Westside Extension in Birmingham, which added three new stops in 2022, and the Wolverhampton city centre extension, which now provides connection with the railway and bus stations.

And they added work continues to grow the tram system with work ongoing in the Black Country and on the extension to Digbeth.

The first phase of the Black Country Metro Extension between Wednesbury and Dudley is due to open later this year and construction work on the next phase to Merry Hill has also now started.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Passenger numbers on the Metro are back to where they should be, and that’s a direct result of the investment in our network.

“Topping 8.3 million journeys shows that people trust the Metro to get them to the places they need to be including work and school.

“The tram is an essential part of my vision to create an affordable, reliable and accessible transport network – which is why I was pleased to confirm the next stage of the Black Country Metro extension recently.

“I will keep pushing to make transport better for everyone, making sure it connects people to the jobs, services and opportunities they need.”

Sophie Allison, managing director of Midland Metro Limited (MML), said: “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the entire Metro team, our system is even busier than before the pandemic, and I’m delighted to be leading them into a new era.

“These welcome figures come just weeks after our recent satisfaction survey showed that customer satisfaction also continues to reach new heights and, as we look towards further expansion, our focus will be on further enhancing the passenger experience for the thousands of people who rely on us every day.

“The continued growth and popularity of the Metro is a testament to the region’s commitment to improving transport for everyone.”