http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/08/12/end-of-the-line-for-original-metro-trams-2/
Today the last tram of the old order built by Italian company Ansaldo for Midland Metro will be taken out of service. This is a an end of an era, and a time that brings with it new hope for further line extensions.
I was in at the beginning of the tram revolution, but I would not have thought its development would have been so slow! Nevertheless LRT is running on the streets of Wolverhampton making a contribution to our transport network and also helping to increase our economic development.
The first tram run in service in May 1999. I would like to pay a special tribute to Councillor Richard Worrall of Walsall who did so much to help promote and to bring the trams to the streets of the Black Country & Birmingham. As a former Chair of the WMPTA Richards drive and desire for a better transport network kept this scheme on track during some very difficult stages of its development. I know that he was proud of the role he played….you only have to look at some of the photographs taken at the time to see his broad grin to know that!
I have been invited to Birmingham for the final event and will attend.
