The Tram is an important driver for the whole of the West Midlands County, as we look to the future with the need to increase our connectivity as a conurbation. Its good to see that the metro will soon be active supporting Dudley.
Back in the 1980’s and through the 1990’s I tried hard to convince our sub-region that Midland Metro tram system was needed then as a network, and much needed for our growth into the future.
That need hasn’t gone away. In fact its increased as residents that were not making longer journeys in the 1980’s in search of jobs and homes are certainly seeking them in the year 2,000 going forward.
I tried hard to convince our County about the need to have a tram service crossing East -West across the City of Birmingham, stretching through Neachells, Bordesley, North Solihull to the Airport. I wasn’t successful in that instance, and the then West Midlands County Council lost its battle with the Thatcher Government and was abolished.
What wasn’t abolished though, was the need for the tram system, the investment, the jobs it would bring and help service our economy. I recognise the hard work of the former Mayor Andy Street in his commitment to Light Rail. I am also delighted in seeing our current West Midlands Mayor Parker. Showing equal commitment to deliver a Tram network.
The Line One Wolverhampton to Birmingham is showing that, derelict land, is transformed when the tram service arrives. As well as providing quick links to some of our oldest settlements like Bilston, Wednesbury, West Bromwich, and Handsworth.
Line One (Wolverhampton to Birmingham) of the Metro, has helped to encourage new housing and commercial and industrial build along the length of this tram Line. Providing quick, reliable and green public transport to the areas and neighbourhoods served by the line. Our tram infrastructure, has been crucial to the way that it has transformed our landscapes, turning unused land and often derelict into valuable property.
Birmingham Airport is a key development to the West Midlands as it is the International gateway for our conurbation. It is more than thriving today, as it increases the millions of passengers it both receives and provides flights for journeys across the World. The Airport needs workers and it will find a tram hugely beneficial if it is constructed.
Strong public transport linking to East Birmingham, where the housing estates are still in need of a fast reliable system for their connectivity to Birmingham, and the other city’s and towns of the conurbation.
So Its good to see that in 2025 there is a strong lobby growing again to see a Line extension once again developing. I fully support the needs for Birmingham Airport to be connected to an extensive network of Metro lines serving our really growing conurbation.
Here in Wolverhampton we cannot be without our own extension needs for Metro. We need to see the line from Wolverhampton Rail Station extended through Heath Town and into New Cross Hospital and Wednesfield.
We also need another line extension to serve the City centre and the Molineux, the Stafford Road ‘Green Corridor’ and connect with the Industrial developments which is such an important site for our City at I54 on the Staffordshire County boundary . Staffordshire may also want to see the Line extended towards Featherstone? These are key Metro extensions for connectivity, jobs and investment.
My enthusiasm and my support for a metro network for the future, has not diminished at all.
