Tram services are now running to Millennium Point as of Easter Sunday (April 5), connecting even more of Birmingham to the West Midlands Metro network. This first stage of the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension includes two stops that offer passengers easy access to key city centre destinations.
This includes Moor Street, the Clayton Hotel, Birmingham City University campus and, of course, Millennium Point. It also offers a direct tram link to the new Albert Street stop for the 400,000 bus passengers who use the Moor Street bus interchange every week—offering links between bus, tram and train.
“This new extension will bring people close to the places where they work, study and visit, while supporting local businesses,” said Sandeep Shingadia, executive director of TfWM. “It is just the beginning of a much wider transformation of our Metro network to connect more communities, open up new opportunities to help our region grow and make travel easier and more accessible for everyone.”
The opening will see changes to the existing timetable, with some services between Bull Street and Grand Central being routed to the new stops. Sophie Allison, managing director of West Midlands Metro, said: “The two new stops will initially see services up to every 15 minutes, delivering a wealth of benefits for local businesses and the travelling public.”
What next for the West Midlands Metro?
The extended route is just the start of a major expansion for West Midlands Metro through the east of the city. It’s the first time the route has branched off from the main West Midlands Metro line, between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, but a second branch will open later this year between Wednesbury and Dudley.
Meanwhile, work is already underway in Meriden Street to continue the line to Digbeth Coach Station. Plus, there are plans for a further extension to Birmingham City Football Club’s planned 60,000-seater Powerhouse stadium. In the future, the route hopes to continue towards Birmingham Airport.