The extension will see tram services run from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill for the “first time”. Credit: Richard OD / Shutterstock.

Work has commenced on the £295m ($367.1m) West Midlands Metro tram network extension in the UK that is funded through the government’s £1.05bn ($1.30bn) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

This project aims to enhance connectivity for communities in the Black Country that are currently underserved.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander put the “spade in the ground” on the tram network extension in the West Midlands.

The extension will see tram services run from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill for the ‘first time”, offering “faster” transport links between Dudley, Brierley Hill and the wider West Midlands region.

This development is anticipated to provide local residents with journey time savings of up to 30% compared to bus travel, particularly during peak hours.

The project’s first phase, running from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre, is underway and will be open to passengers by late 2025.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Upon completion, the extension is expected to benefit local businesses, as it will traverse key areas such as Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road, and the Waterfront Business Park.

Alexander added: “Residents in and around the Black Country have been chronically underserved by public transport, limiting access to jobs and opportunities and stunting economic growth.

“We’re turning the tide on poor transport connections in the West Midlands and delivering a transport system that people can rely on, raising living standards across the region.

“The extension of the West Midlands Metro will be transformational and I am delighted to officially mark the start of work today as this government gets on with supporting local jobs and business while empowering local leaders to deliver our Plan for Change.”

Last month, Northern Trains announced plans to upgrade its fleet with up to 450 new trains, enhancing services across northern England.

Railway Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Railway Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact across the defence sector.

Excellence in Action
Winning the Innovation Award in the Reservation Systems category, EAO’s advanced seat reservation system tackles urbanisation and rising mobility demands head on. Explore how its adaptable HMI, modular design and energy saving display technology help operators boost capacity utilisation and improve the passenger experience.

Discover the Impact