Metro tram journeys rise above pre-Covid levels

Passenger numbers on the West Midlands Metro have surpassed pre-Covid levels.

Up to 8.3 million journeys were made over the past year, a 53.7% increase over 2023, and passing the eight million recorded in 2019, according to Department for Transport (DfT) data.

The increase follows significant investment in the network, including three new stops being added in Birmingham in 2022 and connecting with the railway and bus stations in Wolverhampton, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) said.

The first phase of the extension between Wednesbury and Dudley is due to open later this year.

Construction work on the next phase to Merry Hill is also under way.

There will also be a new link to Digbeth in Birmingham, with all extensions being paid for by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), funding awarded by the DfT.

In April last year a report stated that expanding the tram network carried an "enormous cost" that may prove difficult to meet.

However, in November's Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the government would provide funding for the link from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, a plan that had been beset with rising costs.

Services were also suspended for several months in November 2021 after cracks were found in the bodywork of trams.

Sophie Allison, managing director of Midland Metro Limited, said: "These welcome figures come just weeks after our recent satisfaction survey showed that customer satisfaction also continues to reach new heights and, as we look towards further expansion, our focus will be on further enhancing the passenger experience for the thousands of people who rely on us every day.

"The continued growth and popularity of the Metro is a testament to the region's commitment to improving transport for everyone."

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said he welcomed the figures, adding that the continued investment in the infrastructure supported the region's future development.

"Passenger numbers on the Metro are back to where they should be, and that's a direct result of the investment in our network," he said.

"Topping 8.3 million journeys shows that people trust the Metro to get them to the places they need to be, including work and school."

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