West Midlands Metro tram services due to resume in weeks

All tram services in the West Midlands were suspended until further notice for a third time in nine months on Sunday, 20 March.

Metro services in the region were halted once again after cracks appeared on some of the older trams.

TfWM said the inspections highlighted new bodywork cracks on some of the older trams which required additional checks from the Spanish manufacturer CAF.

Due to the cracks, Midland Metro Limited is requiring the manufacturer CAF to replace the panels rather than repair the existing panels, meaning the service will be out of action for weeks.

Service set to resume

West Midlands Metro have today (April 8) said that passenger services are expected to resume ‘by the end of May 2022.’

A spokesman for the West Midlands Metro, said: “Works to restore the West Midlands Metro services have been progressing and we now expect to be in a position to resume passenger services by the end of May 2022.

“Alongside the manufacturer, CAF, we have now completed a detailed assessment of the tram fleet and begun a schedule of works to replace cracked body panels that will enable trams to return to service as quickly as possible.

“Midland Metro Limited (MML) has required the manufacturer to replace the panels rather than repair the existing ones to ensure the future reliability and robustness of the service.

“While works are well underway at the Wednesbury depot, further steps are being taken to accelerate the repair programme, including securing additional ‘off site’ workshop facilities. Further details of where trams may be sent for repairs will be confirmed in due course.

“In the meantime, we have also brought in additional engineers from across the UK and overseas that have the necessary skills to carry out these specialist panel replacements.

“This week has also seen another new tram being cleared for operational service after successfully completing a thorough testing and commissioning programme as we strive to rebuild fleet availability. Our new tram fleet continues to be tested and will be running through the network to ensure they are ready for when the service recommences.

The statement continued: “Once again, we would like to apologise for the ongoing inconvenience and share the frustration of our customers at this suspension in services.

“In order to mitigate the impact of service suspension this weekend it has been confirmed that further buses will operate for fans attending the West Bromwich Albion versus Stoke City match at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon.”

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