Trams (past, present & future) in Birmingham & West Midlands

Birmingham and West Midlands Trams - a great addition to the region. View our gallery and collection of posts looking at the past, present & future of the region's trams. 


This is a community owned project with wonderful contributions from our People with Passion. 

Project dates

21 Jan 2018 - On-going

Passions

Transport

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com

Related posts

Transport
08 Aug 2018 - Your Place Your Space
Introducing

Trams in Birmingham & the West Midlands - a community-led engagement initiative

Post image

Trams in Birmingham & West Midlands is a community-led initiative that engages and involves the people of Birmingham. It is hosted by BirminghamWeAre, a Community of Passion that gives People with Passion access to YourPlaceYourSpace engagement tools for taking their passion to the next level.

A roll out across the West Midlands is planned. See full post for more detail.

Related

Trams in Birmingham & the West Midlands - a community-led engagement initiative





Trams in Birmingham & West Midlands is a community-led initiative that engages and involves the people of Birmingham. It is hosted by BirminghamWeAre, a Community of Passion that gives People with Passion access to YourPlaceYourSpace engagement tools for taking their passion to the next level.

A roll out across the West Midlands is planned. See full post for more detail.


Trams in Birmingham & the West Midlands

This is one of over 30 community-led passions hosted at BirminghamWeAre and supported by FreeTimePays, a digital platform and social media channel for people and communities who want to make a difference, help deliver social and economic impact and build Communities of Passion.

BirminghamWeAre and (launching soon) WestMidlandsWeAre are both Communities of Passion

BirminghamWeAre.com is a digital 'shout out' space for people to promote their passion, connect with people who share their passion and gain access to a suite of engagement tools for taking their passion to the next level.

It is also a digital space where people, business and service providers can collaborate, plan and take ideas and initiatives forward.

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BirminghamWeAre image.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Here's how it all started!

In 2015, BirminghamWeAre set up an account on twitter to keep the people of Birmingham updated on a new impact focused digital space and engagement portal being built (at that time) by YourPlaceYourSpace for people who are passionate about making a difference and creating a positive impact.

In just a couple of years, the reach of, and interest in, BirminghamWeAre has grown significantly. For example, over 0.7 million impressions is now typically achieved every month by BirminghamWeAre through social media.

However, as well as a shared passion for Birmingham, many followers of BirminghamWeAre are keen to get involved and contribute further. These are people who want to make a difference, whether for themselves, through their jobs or for others in their community. We refer to these people as People with Passion.

Due to the significant interest shown by the people of Birmingham, and as a way of helping people take their passions to the next level, BirminghamWeAre.com was established as the first Community of Passion by YourPlaceYourSpace in 2017.

Communities of Passion are now being established in every neighbourhood and a full roll-out of YourPlaceYourSpace is now planned across the West Midlands region from 2018 onwards. 

FreeTimePays

FreeTimePays is an impact focused digital platform and social media channel specifically for people who want to make a difference and help create a positive social and economic impact.

FreeTimePays is the social media of choice for 'People with Passion'.

FreeTimePays, through numerous links, sites and portals provides individuals, businesses and service providers with access to a suite of engagement tools. For more detail on what is provided by YourPlaceYourSpace connect HERE.

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/communities of passion.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

With the help of FreeTimePays, we have built a thriving and effective Community of Passion for Birmingham. As already mentioned, work on rolling out YourPlaceYourSpace into the region and into the neighbourhoods, building inter-connected Communities of Passion, has already commenced. 

We will continue to promote Community, engage 'People with Passion' and deliver results!

Connect with us HERE and let's do this together!

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
11 Mar 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Some of the pavement sculpture circles at the original Midland Metro tram stops

Post image

These pavement sculpture circles can be found at the tram stops between Wolverhampton St George's and Birmingham Snow Hill (but not on the newly opened extension tram stops). Here is some examples I've found so far.

Related

Some of the pavement sculpture circles at the original Midland Metro tram stops





These pavement sculpture circles can be found at the tram stops between Wolverhampton St George's and Birmingham Snow Hill (but not on the newly opened extension tram stops). Here is some examples I've found so far.


St Paul's Tram Stop

This resembles jewellery, one of two tram stops in the Jewellery Quarter.

dndimg alt="St Paul's Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Pauls%20TS%20(Jan%202013)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Hawthorns Tram Stop

This resembles The Baggies aka West Bromwich Albion FC, who play nearby at The Hawthorns Stadium.

dndimg alt="The Hawthorns Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Hawthorns%20TS%2009032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Bromwich Central Tram Stop

This one resembles three springs.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West%20Bromwich%20CTS%2009032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop

This looks like lots of feet together in a wheel.

dndimg alt="Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lodge%20Rd%20WBTHTS%20(May%202017)%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dartmouth Street Tram Stop

This one resembles the Dartmouth Street Bridge in West Bromwich with the tram line going through it.

dndimg alt="Dartmouth Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dartmouth%20St%20TS%2009032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop

This resembles cannons and cannonballs in a circle.

dndimg alt="Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dudley%20St%20Guns%20Vil%20(Jan%202023)%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bilston Central Tram Stop

This one resembles the sun at the centre.

dndimg alt="Bilston Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bilston%20Central%20TS%2009032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Crescent Tram Stop

This one resembles the moon as a crescent forms during the month.

dndimg alt="The Crescent Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Crescent%20TS%2009032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Royal Tram Stop

This one resembles a butterfly.

dndimg alt="The Royal Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Royal%20Tram%20Stop%20(May%202017)%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
31 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Preserved Midland Metro tram 16 at Very Light Rail, Dudley and West Midlands Metro tram 52 in service

Post image

On a walk around Dudley, I did not expect to find the preserved Midland Metro tram 16, one of the T-69 trams, to be at Very Light Rail in Dudley. Out of the 16 trams in service from 1999 to 2015, 13 have been scrapped, while three preserved including this one. The other two 07 and 10 are at Long Marston. The last West Midlands Metro tram 52, and was the last of the new Urbos 100 order.

Related

Preserved Midland Metro tram 16 at Very Light Rail, Dudley and West Midlands Metro tram 52 in service





On a walk around Dudley, I did not expect to find the preserved Midland Metro tram 16, one of the T-69 trams, to be at Very Light Rail in Dudley. Out of the 16 trams in service from 1999 to 2015, 13 have been scrapped, while three preserved including this one. The other two 07 and 10 are at Long Marston. The last West Midlands Metro tram 52, and was the last of the new Urbos 100 order.


I was in Dudley, during January 2024, for an update of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, and was walking out of Dudley Town Centre, when I spotted this old tram at Very Light Rail.

The former Midland Metro tram 16, a T-69 which was in service from Wolverhampton St George's to Birmingham Snow Hill from 1999 to 2015, was moved from Long Marston to Dudley, for testing on the Very Light Rail tracks.

It still has The Metro, and original red, blue and yellow livery on it, as well as a Wolverhampton College advert dating to 2014. It arrived in Dudley in November 2023.

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The most recent tram to come into service was West Midlands Metro tram 52 in January 2024. The last of the Urbos 100 order. Currently there is multiple bus routes from Birmingham to Dudley including the 74, 87, 126 and X8. But by the end of 2024, the tram extension from Wednesbury to Dudley Town Centre might open.

Seen here leaving Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on Hagley Road, via the Five Ways underpass towards Broad Street and Five Ways Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

Share  Connect with us
90 passion points
Transport
06 Jun 2023 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

CBSO tram and other Urbos 100 trams added to the West Midlands Metro fleet

Post image

West Midlands Metro has been added many new trams to their fleet the Urbos 100 variety of the Urbos 3. Numbered from 39 up to 58. Tram 45 is carrying CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) adverts. At least two trams have been named in recent months during 2023.

Related

CBSO tram and other Urbos 100 trams added to the West Midlands Metro fleet





West Midlands Metro has been added many new trams to their fleet the Urbos 100 variety of the Urbos 3. Numbered from 39 up to 58. Tram 45 is carrying CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) adverts. At least two trams have been named in recent months during 2023.


Urbos 100 tram observations during 2023.

 

Don & Roy Richardson: West Midlands Metro tram 39

On the 1st April 2023, at Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on the Hagley Road. A ride of West Midlands Metro tram 39 to St Chad's Tram Stop. It has been named after Don & Roy Richardson.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2039%20EVTS%2001042023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2039%20EVTS%2001042023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2039%20EVTS%2001042023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Getting off tram 39 at St Chad's Tram Stop on the 1st April 2023. It got way to full beyond Corporation Street, with West Bromwich Albion fans going to The Hawthorns, was glad to get off it.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2039%20SCTS%2001042023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Tram 39 also seen on Broad Street on the 25th March 2023, opposite the Solomon Cutler Wetherspoon pub.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2039%20Broad%20St%2025032023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Theresa Stewart: West Midlands Metro tram 40

Seen on the 31st March 2023 on Stephenson Street, near the Piccadilly Arcade was West Midlands Metro tram 40. Named after the late Theresa Stewart (1930-2020). The second tram to be named after her (previously the now scrapped T-69 Midland Metro tram 11 was in heritage livery and named after her). A blue plaque was unveiled in her memory, to be placed on her final home in June 2023.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2040%20T%20Stewart%20SS%2031032023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro tram 41

On the 25th May 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 41, near Victoria Square and the Birmingham Council House.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2041%20Victoria%20Square%2025052023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro tram 42

On the 29th January 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 42 at Edgbaston Village Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2042%20EVTS%2029012023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Tram 42 also seen at The Hawthorns Tram Stop on the 19th January 2023, heading for Wolverhampton.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20Hawthorns%2019012023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20Hawthorns%2019012023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro tram 43

On the 7th February 2023, West Midlands Metro tram 43 was seen at Wolverhampton St George's Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2043%20Wolv%20SG%20%2007022023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro tram 44

View from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham of West Midlands Metro tram 44 at Library Tram Stop on the 1st June 2023.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2044%20Library%20TS%2001062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Video reel on Facebook.

 

Tram 44 also seen on the 26th January 2023 at Library Tram Stop, from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cent%20Sq%20LTS%20LoB%2026012023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

CBSO: West Midlands Metro tram 45

Seen on the 1st June 2023, at Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square was West Midlands Metro tram 45, carrying the CBSO Birmingham, Make some noise! adverts! I then caught an X10 bus to Hagley Road in Edgbaston.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBSO%20WMM%2045%2001062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBSO%20WMM%2045%2001062023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBSO%20WMM%2045%2001062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Article published at Westside BID on the 6th June 2023: NEW PICTURE: photographer’s perfect timing captures CBSO tram on Centenary Square

 

Was hoping to get tram 45 from Edgbaston Village Tram Stop, but by the time I got off the X10 bus, the CBSO tram had already pulled out, and heading for the Five Ways underpass from Hagley Road to Broad Street!

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBSO%20WMM%2045%2001062023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Two days later on the 3rd June 2023, I saw the CBSO West Midlands Metro tram 45 again, this time from the top deck of the no 24 bus stop at Paradise Circus.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBSO%20WMM%2045%20PC%2003062023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBSO%20WMM%2045%20PC%2003062023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Earlier in the year, I caught tram 45 to Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop in West Bromwich on the 19th January 2023, but this was before it had the CBSO advert sponsorship on it.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2045%20Dudley%20St%20Guns%20Vil%2019012023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro tram 46

From Pinfold Street on the 18th February 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 46 heading to Edgbaston Village.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2046%20Pinfold%20St%2018022023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

About a week earlier on the 11th February 2023, I saw West Midlands Metro tram 46 at Town Hall Tram Stop near Victoria Square, contrasting the Urbos 3 tram 23 with Urbos 100 tram 46.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2023%2046%20THTS%201102023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2023%2046%20THTS%201102023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro tram 48

At The Hawthorns Tram Stop on the 19th January 2023, West Midlands Metro tram 48 arrives to pick me up and take me back into Birmingham.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20Hawthorns%2019012023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20Hawthorns%2019012023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20Hawthorns%2019012023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro tram 51

Seen on the 28th May 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 51, departing Town Hall Tram Stop near Victoria Square.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20trams%20Bham%2028052023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro tram 53

From the 28th May 2023 on Broad Street, Was West Midlands Metro tram 53 at Five Ways Tram Stop, close to the Five Ways Entertainment Complex and Cineworld.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20trams%20Bham%2028052023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Share  Connect with us
20 passion points
Transport
15 Feb 2022 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

West Midlands Metro trams returns to Paradise

Post image

After 203 days, West Midlands Metro has finally resumed services between Bull Street and Library, on the 12th February 2022. The last trams in service for passengers at this end was 24th July 2021. Since then Corporation Street was closed for 11 weeks for track relaying. Then faults in the trams around November 2021, then some back in service to Bull Street by December 2021. Welcome back.

Related

West Midlands Metro trams returns to Paradise





After 203 days, West Midlands Metro has finally resumed services between Bull Street and Library, on the 12th February 2022. The last trams in service for passengers at this end was 24th July 2021. Since then Corporation Street was closed for 11 weeks for track relaying. Then faults in the trams around November 2021, then some back in service to Bull Street by December 2021. Welcome back.


Saturday 12th February 2022

The 24th July 2021 was the last date that trams ran on a service for passengers to Library Tram Stop. Since then, a 11 week closure of Corporation Street for track relaying. Then delays from November 2021 when cracks were discovered (on the Spanish CAF manufactured trams). Some repaired trams back in service from December 2021, but only to Bull Street (some new Urbos 100 trams have been fast tracked into service alongside the original Urbos 3 trams). 12th February 2022, the first date that West Midlands Metro have got trams back in service towards Centenary Square (but every 12 minutes). Here tram 29 departs Town Hall Tram Stop, and heads around Paradise Circus, passing the new One Centenary Way, before approaching Centenary Square, for it's final approach to Library Tram Stop.

While beyond Library, Broad Street is all tracked, but beyond Five Ways to Hagley Road, it is not quite complete. So might be a couple more months before we can see trams further into Westside.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Paradise Circus 12022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Paradise Circus 12022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Paradise Circus 12022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Monday 14th February 2022

On a rainy Valentine's Day, I popped up to the Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. Saw West Midlands Metro tram 40 (Urbos 100) at Library Tram Stop. It then departed Centenary Square, via the Bus Gate onto Paradise Circus. While traffic waited at the traffic lights, for the tram to cross over to Paradise Street and to Town Hall Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Library Tram Stop 14022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Tram 40" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 40 Paradise 14022022 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After leaving the Library of Birmingham via Centenary Square and Centenary Way. Walked into Chamberlain Square and Victoria Square. Just about caught West Midland Metro tram 23 departing from Town Hall Tram Stop for Library. The first of three trams I saw heading to Westside.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Town Hall Vic Sq 14022022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walking down Pinfold Street, the next tram I saw was West Midlands Metro tram 28 "Jasper Carrott", heading up Stephenson Street, having departed Grand Central Tram Stop. It then headed up Pinfold Street towards Victoria Square. The second of three trams. Maybe at least one was going onto Broad Street for a test run?

dndimg alt="Stephenson Pinfold" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 38 SP 14022022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Stephenson Pinfold" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 38 SP 14022022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One last tram seen from Stephenson Street. West Midlands Metro tram 31 "Cyrille Regis" seen heading down from Corporation Street onto Stephenson Place. Still people walking on the wrong side of the road. There is a pavement next to the Apple building (ex Midland Bank / Waterstone's).

dndimg alt="Stephenson Corporation" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 31 SC 14022022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Stephenson Corporation" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 31 SC 14022022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I actually started this rainy photo walk heading past Snow Hill. The Living Wall and grass track. First up was West Midlands Metro tram 20 heading to Wolverhampton. Then arriving at St Chad's Tram Stop was tram 34 heading to Birmingham. I then went down the steps, and walked up Constitution Hill and Great Hampton Street into the Jewellery Quarter.

dndimg alt="Snow Hill trams" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Snow Hill 14022022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Snow Hill trams" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Snow Hill 14022022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Snow Hill trams" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Snow Hill 14022022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Snow Hill trams" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Snow Hill 14022022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

Share  Connect with us
70 passion points
Transport
02 Nov 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Advert changes to West Midlands Metro trams 19 and 32

Post image

A few advert changes on the West Midlands Metro trams. Tram 19 now has Marks Electrical (this was previously the 20 Years 1999 - 2019 livery). Tram 32 now carries a yellow livery for Brindleyplace (was one of the lime green OLA trams). It is almost a year since the first Westside extension opened, and you can usually see one or two trams at Library Tram Stop.

Related

Advert changes to West Midlands Metro trams 19 and 32





A few advert changes on the West Midlands Metro trams. Tram 19 now has Marks Electrical (this was previously the 20 Years 1999 - 2019 livery). Tram 32 now carries a yellow livery for Brindleyplace (was one of the lime green OLA trams). It is almost a year since the first Westside extension opened, and you can usually see one or two trams at Library Tram Stop.


West Midlands Metro tram 19

Seen during September 2020 from Caffe Nero was West Midlands Metro tram 19 heading up Stephenson Street past Costa Coffee with it's new Marks Electrical adverts. Saw another photographer stop with his bike. Anyone recognise him?

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM trams Stephenson St CN (Sept 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

West Midlands Metro tram 32

Seen heading down Pinfold Street and onto Stephenson Street was West Midlands Metro tram 32 with it's new yellow Rediscover Brindleyplace adverts. Of course you can't yet get a tram to Brindleyplace. At least not until sometime in late 2021 onwards. They should be building the new Brindleyplace Tram Stop soon on Broad Street. Passing Ethel Street at this point.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace WMM 32 (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Redisc Bplace WMM 32 (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
50 passion points
Transport
02 Mar 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Trams at the Black Country Living Museum (August 2011)

Post image

Some old tram photos of mine taken from a day out at the Black Country Living Museum during August 2011. Tram 34 and tram 49. We actually had a ride at the time on tram 49 on the top deck, which was in the open air. The museum is located in Dudley in the Black Country. The museum opened in 1975. I'm sure it's probably changed since my visit including Peaky Blinders filming.

Related

Trams at the Black Country Living Museum (August 2011)





Some old tram photos of mine taken from a day out at the Black Country Living Museum during August 2011. Tram 34 and tram 49. We actually had a ride at the time on tram 49 on the top deck, which was in the open air. The museum is located in Dudley in the Black Country. The museum opened in 1975. I'm sure it's probably changed since my visit including Peaky Blinders filming.


From a day out at the Black Country Living Museum, on the 14th August 2011. There was plenty to see on my first (and so far) only visit to this open air museum. So my visit precedes the filming of episodes of Peaky Blinders by a few years.

Tram 49

This is a Wolverhampton Corporation double decker tram, built in 1909. It is a typical Edwardian tramcar with a lower saloon and open upper deck. It was withdrawn in 1921. It was restored by the Black Country Living Museum and put into service in 2004.

 

I first saw tram 49 before we headed to have a look in the museum full of vintage cars and other vehicles. It was passing the war memorial. Which was passing these umbrella looking shields.

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (0).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

In this view the tram is seen heading to "Penn Fields" (well not really) and had an old Express and Star advert on the side.

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen from the other direction getting close to the end of the journey. There was stairs at both ends, and they have to manually move the overhead pantograph, so that the tram can go in the other direction.

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Again seen here, passengers are getting off the tram.

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A lady seemed to reverse backwards down the steps.

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Adverts also at the front and back. Here you see "Gray's Herbal Tablets".

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The tram driver and the ticket inspector have a chat, or hand over the keys?

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

They only had two volunteers, we had to wait for the tram to get back before we could ride it. By then they had 3 volunteers and we went up to the top deck of the tram.

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen here, visitors are seeing heading down the steps and getting off the tram. It was the stop close to the village, and wasn't too far from where tram 34 was. This was after my tram ride, so I took this photo after I got off.

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A few hours later, saw tram 49 again. This time passing the Underground Mine. This side was an advert for the Co-op.

dndimg alt="Tram 49" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 49 (August 2011) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 34

This tram was built in 1919 for operation on Wolverhampton District Tramways. It was an enclosed single decker tram that could accommodate 32 seated passengers. It was withdrawn in 1928.

 

Saw this model of tram 34 in the exhibitions rooms which were housed in the former Rolfe Street Baths building. It was the second exhibition in this room.

dndimg alt="Tram 34" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM model of tram 34 (August 2011).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Now onto the real tram 34. We did not ride it, and I'm not sure if it was in use on the day of our visit. It's destination was Dudley.

dndimg alt="Tram 34" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 34 (August 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was positioned at the time next to the tram depot.

dndimg alt="Tram 34" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM tram 34 (August 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

They have other trams in the collection at the Black Country Living Museum, Horse Drawn Tram 23 and Tram 5 although I didn't see them at the time (almost 9 years ago now). More details here: Tram Collection.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at 1,100 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Connect with us
60 passion points
Transport
02 Mar 2020 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

West Midlands Metro tram 24 has a new sponsor: Resorts World Birmingham

Post image

I unexpectedly saw a West Midlands Metro tram with purple Resorts World Birmingham adverts on Corporation Street in the morning. At lunchtime on Friday 28th February 2020, saw it again and it was tram 24. It is also for Birmingham International Station and probably The NEC Birmingham. Seen heading between Corporation Street and Bull Street tram stops. Seen passing Martineau Place.

Related

West Midlands Metro tram 24 has a new sponsor: Resorts World Birmingham





I unexpectedly saw a West Midlands Metro tram with purple Resorts World Birmingham adverts on Corporation Street in the morning. At lunchtime on Friday 28th February 2020, saw it again and it was tram 24. It is also for Birmingham International Station and probably The NEC Birmingham. Seen heading between Corporation Street and Bull Street tram stops. Seen passing Martineau Place.


West Midlands Metro Tram 24 from OLA to Resorts World

Seen at Library Tram Stop on Saturday 18th January 2020, was West Midlands Metro tram 24.

dndimg alt="Tram 24" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 24 OLA Library Tram Stop (Jan 20) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

At the time that tram 24 was departing, they were still dismantling Ice Skate Birmingham on the Reflective Pool (the water jets are now back on). See my latest Centenary Square post here Centenary Square lit up after dark with the Water Jet fountains.

dndimg alt="Tram 24" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 24 OLA Library Tram Stop (Jan 20) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen at Grand Central Tram Stop on Friday 21st February 2020 was West Midlands Metro trams 24 and 27. Both with OLA adverts, I think the first time I got both in one photo. At the time the batteries on tram 24 was still externally white.

dndimg alt="Trams 24 and 27" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA 24 27 WMM Grand Central (Feb 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On Friday 28th February 2020, seen in the rain on Corporation Street, tram 24 again, but this time in brand new Resorts World purple adverts. Also featuring Birmingham International Station. Possibly also The NEC. I let the tram pass me before I took this photo in the rain. Going past Martineau Place. I also saw it unexpectedly in the morning (on Corporation Street) but couldn't see the tram number.

dndimg alt="Tram 24 Resorts World" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 24 Resorts World Corporation St (Feb 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at 1,100 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Connect with us
50 passion points
Transport
02 Jan 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Ending 2019 with a West Midlands Metro tram ride to Wolverhampton

Post image

I wanted to check out the new Wolverhampton Station building, and it had been over 2 and a half years since I got the tram all the way to Wolverhampton (not counting when I went to Wednesbury and Bilston). Also the trams have all gone blue since I last saw them in Wolverhampton. Checked out the Wolverhampton Metro extension then walked to Priestfield Tram Stop via the City Centre. HNY 2020

Related

Ending 2019 with a West Midlands Metro tram ride to Wolverhampton





I wanted to check out the new Wolverhampton Station building, and it had been over 2 and a half years since I got the tram all the way to Wolverhampton (not counting when I went to Wednesbury and Bilston). Also the trams have all gone blue since I last saw them in Wolverhampton. Checked out the Wolverhampton Metro extension then walked to Priestfield Tram Stop via the City Centre. HNY 2020


First up on Sunday 29th December 2019, needed to catch a tram in Birmingham City Centre. They seemed more frequent than they usually are on a Sunday. I always prefer to head to Grand Central Tram Stop. But this time had to catch the tram from the platform near The Burlington Hotel, since the Westside Metro extension opened to Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square several weeks ago (with testing before that).

Grand Central Tram Stop

While waiting for a tram to Wolverhampton, saw West Midlands Metro tram 23 Comet arriving at th platform near Birmingham New Street Station.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Grand Central to Lib (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The pantograph was lowered from the overhead wires, before heading up Stephenson Street under battery power towards Pinfold Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Grand Central to Lib (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading past the Guildhall Buildings and the modern part of Victoria Square House. It would turn up right towards Pinfold Street and Victoria Square. A street cleaning vehicle to the right.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Grand Central to Lib (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing Costa Coffee in the Guildhall Buildings (corner of Navigation Street and Stephenson Street) was tram 29 Cupid. Which I would catch to Wolverhampton St George's. A 45 minute journey. The pantograph was probably raised while I was inside of this tram.

dndimg alt="Tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Grand Central to WSG (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Wolverhampton St George's Tram Stop

45 minutes later I arrived in Wolverhampton. Getting off at Wolverhampton St George's Tram Stop. Only one platform here now since it was rebuilt several years ago.

dndimg alt="Tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Cupid Wolverhampton SG (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I was first heading to check out the Wolverhampton Metro extension to Wolverhampton Station. As you can see the former platform at the existing terminus is now for buses. Pipers Row has a tram stop with platforms but no shelters. And since they are still re-building Wolverhampton Station, the extension currently stops on the bridge on Railway Drive.

dndimg alt="Tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 29 Cupid Wolverhampton SG (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bilston Road, Wolverhampton

The last time I walked down here in May 2017, the Urbos 3 trams were pink, and I walked up the canal. Ended up that time catching a tram from The Royal to West Bromwich. This time it was a walk down to Priestfield Tram Stop.

After a quick walk around Wolverhampton City Centre, I crossed over Ring Road St George's as West Midlands Metro tram 19 headed between Bilston Road and Bilston Street to the Wolverhampton terminus at St George's. Passing Novotel.

dndimg alt="Tram 19" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 19 Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I later saw it heading down the Bilston Road. This was after it had left The Royal Tram Stop. Not sure if it was in service as it did not say "Birmingham" on the front or back digital display.

dndimg alt="Tram 19" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 19 Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 19 passing a Vauxhall car dealership on the Bilston Road.

dndimg alt="Tram 19" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 19 Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading over the Bilston Road Bridge that crosses over the Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline (Wolverhampton Level).

dndimg alt="Tram 19" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 19 Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up was West Midlands Metro tram 18 (one of the trams with Just Eat adverts in red). Seen here going under the railway bridge that carries the West Coast Mainline between Wolverhampton and Birmingham (and London). Saw a couple of Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino's up there (weird not saying Virgin Trains any more).

dndimg alt="Tram 18" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 18 Just Eat Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing various car showrooms. Wolverhampton Volkswagen to the left.

dndimg alt="Tram 18" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 18 Just Eat Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing a Toyota place on the Bilston Road.

dndimg alt="Tram 18" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 18 Just Eat Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing me next was West Midlands Metro tram 32. This was near Ettingshall Road near the boarded up The New Inn (which used to be an Oriental restaurant until it closed down).

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen continuing up to Wolverhampton St George's. I later got this tram back from Priestfield.

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 Bilston Rd Wolverhampton (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Priestfield Tram Stop

Arrived at Priestfield Tram Stop too late to catch Tram 18 back to Birmingham. But only had to wait another 7 minutes for the next tram. It is here that the trams leaves the Bilston Road and goes back onto the old railway trackbed.

dndimg alt="Tram 18" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 18 Priestfield Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is paths on both sides of the tracks that leads to the platforms at Priestfield.

dndimg alt="Tram 18" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 18 Priestfield Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I wasn't going to run for the tram like the man ahead of me. Priestfield has it's own car park.

dndimg alt="Tram 18" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 18 Priestfield Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw West Midlands Metro tram 30 arriving at Priestfield on it's journey towards Wolverhampton St George's.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Priestfield Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I don't think tram 30 has a temporary reindeer name at Christmas time.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Priestfield Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is crossover track here, incase the line beyond here is closed for whatever reason.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Priestfield Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 32 arriving at Priestfield. I caught it all the way to Bull Street Tram Stop in Birmingham City Centre.

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 Priestfield Tram Stop (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On Sunday afternoon many football fans of West Bromwich Albion got on board heading to The Hawthorns to watch their team in the Championship. Many of them had scarfs, hats and Baggies football shirts on.

If this is my last post in 2019, then I'd like to say Happy New Year 2020!

One last tram photo on the 31st December 2019. New Year's Eve. Tram 18 with Just Eat livery seen from Victoria Square at Town Hall Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 18" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 18 Town Hall Tram Stop NYE2019.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Check out my brand new Facebook page Ell Brown Photos.

Share  Connect with us
50 passion points
Transport
27 Dec 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

West Midlands Metro tram in and out of Town Hall Tram Stop on the last weekend of the Birmingham FCM (December 2019)

Post image

The all blue West Midlands Metro trams are now running every day between Library and Wolverhampton St George's. Monday's to Saturday's every 6 minutes, and every 15 minutes on Sunday's. Heading up Pinfold Street as a tram heads down from Victoria Square. Also a pair of trams stopping at the new Town Hall Tram Stop. On the last weekend of the Frankfurt Christmas Market.

Related

West Midlands Metro tram in and out of Town Hall Tram Stop on the last weekend of the Birmingham FCM (December 2019)





The all blue West Midlands Metro trams are now running every day between Library and Wolverhampton St George's. Monday's to Saturday's every 6 minutes, and every 15 minutes on Sunday's. Heading up Pinfold Street as a tram heads down from Victoria Square. Also a pair of trams stopping at the new Town Hall Tram Stop. On the last weekend of the Frankfurt Christmas Market.


Starting with West Midlands Metro tram 19 at Grand Central Tram Stop, on the early evening of Wednesday 18th December 2019. The tram with the 20 Years livery (1999 - 2019). Passing here again on Saturday 21st December 2019, it was a bit too crowded for me. Noisy football fans coming out of the Burlington Arcade, and protesters walking past with placards on the opposite platform.

dndimg alt="Tram 19" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 19 Grand Central Tram Stop after dark (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading up Pinfold Street nad I have finally managed to get some photos of a tram heading down the hill. West Midlands Metro tram 21 in Just Eat livery, now all blue, but still with the red adverts.

dndimg alt="Tram 21" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Just Eat tram 21 Pinfold St (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The last weekend of the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, it closes on Monday 23rd December 2019.

dndimg alt="Tram 21" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Just Eat tram 21 Pinfold St (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

You can see the Big Brum clocktower from down here which is behind the Council House. It is completely pedestrianised up here.

dndimg alt="Tram 21" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Just Eat tram 21 Pinfold St (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 21 turns left from Pinfold Street onto Stephenson Street, passing La Galleria and Yorks Cafe in the Guildhall Buildings.

dndimg alt="Tram 21" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Just Eat tram 21 Pinfold St (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading to the end of Paradise Street, as far as pedestrians are supposed to go, saw tram 29 with the reindeer name Cupid coming round Paradise Circus. With Centenary Square behind. Including the Birmingham Big Wheel and ice rink at Ice Skate Birmingham. The REP, Library of Birmingham, Hall of Memory and Baskerville House. HSBC UK at Arena Central on the left, while the site of One Centenary Way to the right.

dndimg alt="Tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Pedestrians are not supposed to walk beyond here, but some have ignoring the signs (can they not read?). Tram 29 continues to go round the corner with HSBC UK and the Birmingham Big Wheel seen behind.

dndimg alt="Tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 29 Cupid heads onto Paradise Street. As a man with shopping walks beyond the point of no return for pedestrians. Behind you can still see the Big Wheel, Library, Hall of Memory and Baskerville House. Only trams are allowed to enter Paradise Street here. Not cars.

dndimg alt="Tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading past the Town Hall as tram 29 arrives at Town Hall Tram Stop. The Christmas tree at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market is visible to the right.

dndimg alt="Tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 22 Dasher arrives at platform 1 for Birmingham (Library) while tram 29 Cupid comes into platform 2, bound for Wolverhampton (St George's).

dndimg alt="Tram 29 and 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A view not possible a few years ago. Big Brum at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with the Birmingham Town Hall. Seen from Paradise Street while the pair of trams were at Town Hall Tram Stop. And as a bonus, the core of 103 Colmore Row. Paradise Birmingham is to the left. That was where Fletchers Walk and the old Birmingham Conservatoire used to be until a few years ago. And there used to be a road that was part of Paradise Circus that is now long gone.

dndimg alt="Tram 29 and 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another new view from the tram stop is of Colmore Gate and the dome of Birmingham Cathedral. Never expected to get those with a pair of West Midlands Metro blue trams.

dndimg alt="Tram 29 and 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 22 Dasher continues it's journey towards Centenary Square. You can see it's destination in the background, the Library of Birmingham. The Alpha Tower is usually visible from the end of Paradise Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 29 seen leaving Town Hall Tram Stop. Going through Victoria Square, then down Pinfold Street. As visitors to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market pass in and out of the square.

dndimg alt="Tram 29" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Tram Stop trams 29 22 (Dec 2019) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I will add to this post as it was not published on the 23rd December 2019.

The Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market was dismantled between the 24th and 25th December 2019, and trams were running apart from on Christmas Day of course.

On Boxing Day, the 26th December 2019, at least two trams were broken down meaning no trams could go beyond Bull Street until they were removed.

On a miserable wet Boxing Day, tram 30 had broken down at Corporation Street. It was on the platform bound for Wolverhampton, but couldn't go anywhere.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Boxing Day (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading round to Bull Street Tram Stop, saw tram 28 Jasper Carrott with no destination on the board. This one on the Wolverhampton bound platform. Was it broken down to / not in service?

dndimg alt="Tram 28" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Boxing Day (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Then tram 22 arrived heading to Birmingham. But I'm not sure if it headed down to Corporation Street, or if all the passengers got off here, and it returned in the other direction.

dndimg alt="Tram 28 and 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Boxing Day (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back to normal on the 27th December 2019. Saw at least one tram from Victoria Square.

After popping through the concourse at Birmingham New Street Station, I saw tram 18 in the Just Eat livery arriving. I saw the pantograph rising up and connecting to the overhead wires when it got to the tram stop from the newly opened extension.

dndimg alt="Tram 18" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 18 Grand Central Tram Stop (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saw tram 34 arriving at Grand Central Tram Stop, but tram 18 had started to depart before I was able to get two trams in one shot, so I took this one instead. Looks like the pantograph had been lowered, before it started the journey up to Town Hall and Library.

dndimg alt="Tram 34" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 34 Grand Central Tram Stop (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Merry Christmas 2019 and a Happy New Year 2020. Oh and Happy Hanukkah as well! (Will all be over when this gets published). More tram posts and photos in 2020. I'm hoping to ride the tram again perhaps all the way to Wolverhampton.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

 

Share  Connect with us
70 passion points
Transport
17 Dec 2019 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

The Westside Metro extension now open to Centenary Square and some trams with reindeer names

Post image

With no announcement, the Westside Metro extension to Centenary Square was open to the public on Wednesday 11th December 2019. I wasn't able to get down to ride the newly opened extension until Saturday 14th December 2019. For the Christmas season, West Midlands Metro has name some of their trams with Christmas reindeer names such as Rudolph, Comet and Dasher.

Related

The Westside Metro extension now open to Centenary Square and some trams with reindeer names





With no announcement, the Westside Metro extension to Centenary Square was open to the public on Wednesday 11th December 2019. I wasn't able to get down to ride the newly opened extension until Saturday 14th December 2019. For the Christmas season, West Midlands Metro has name some of their trams with Christmas reindeer names such as Rudolph, Comet and Dasher.


Tram 22 Dasher

Sunday 8th December 2019, and on this day we did not know when the extension to Centenary Square would open. I walked along Arena Central, passing HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square and the Municipal Bank redevelopment. Fencing was still up, while a rainbow was behind the Library of Birmingham and the Birmingham Big Wheel.

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 22 Dasher Bham Library Tram Stop Cent Sq (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Before services started, from the 1st December 2019 onwards, trams were leaving Grand Central and heading to Library Tram Stop without passengers. Close up of tram 22 Dasher

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 22 Dasher Bham Library Tram Stop Cent Sq (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Dasher name is temporary. Will probably be removed in January 2020.

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 22 Dasher Bham Library Tram Stop Cent Sq (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The end of the line (for now) was looking like a mess. The extension to Hagley Road will open in 2 years time in 2021, only they have to build it first along Broad Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 22 Dasher Bham Library Tram Stop Cent Sq (Dec 2019) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 36 Rudolph

On Saturday 14th December 2019, it was my first day back in Birmingham City Centre for several days. And when I got to Birmingham New Street Station, I purchased an Adult off peak day ticket in the My Metro app. And rode tram 36 from Grand Central to the newly opened Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For the Christmas period tram 36 is called Rudolph. Seen behind was the Library of Birmingham, Star Flyer and Birmingham Big Wheel.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Zoom in of the temporary Rudolph name.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The trams for now can use both platforms, and there is crossing tracks just in front of the tram stop. Beyond here is hoardings as they still need to build the second Westside extension which will take another two years to complete. Reflection of HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square in the Hyatt Regency Birmingham hotel.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 36 seem heading back to Wolverhampton, as I made the short walk into the Library of Birmingham for views of the trams from above. Not too long to wait this time around as only every 6 minutes Monday's to Saturday's (every 15 minutes on Sunday's but the Library is closed on that day).

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 25

First up views from the Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. Tram 25 seen at platform 2 at Library Tram Stop. The Birmingham Big Wheel was in the way of this view.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the trams with lime green OLA adverts. It now has batteries on top. But currently in white not yet blue outside.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

No temporary reindeer name on this tram.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 25 is now seen leaving platform 2 at Library Tram Stop on it's way to Wolverhampton. It is passing the Municipal Bank site for the University of Birmingham. On the right is 5 Centenary Square (formerly 1 Arena Central). But that hasn't started yet. Was the site of the Register Office. The tram shelter on platform 1 is close to the site of where the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue was from 1956 to 2017.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 25 seen heading round Paradise Circus. Cones on the road. Only the southbound lanes are open at the moment.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A taxi waits at the traffic light as tram 25 heads to Paradise Street and Town Hall Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (6) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 23 Comet

Last saw this tram here on a test in November 2019. I headed up to the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham when I saw this tram again. In this view heading up Paradise Street towards Paradise Circus.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading around Paradise Circus. Easy Row Subway below is still closed to pedestrians, but the bridge has been reinforced and rebuilt before they even laid tracks here.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Coming into Centenary Square, in what until a few years ago was part of Broad Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Crossing tracks and heading to platform 2 at Library Tram Stop. Behind is HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square. They have also built new roads which in future will be used by buses.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As it headed into the tram stop, passing the Municipal Bank, some scaffolding on the left appears to have been removed.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Pavements on both sides of the road are now free of temporary barriers. Apart from in front of 1 Centenary Square and the Municipal Bank to the left.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Had to wait for some passengers to get off before I could get this zoom in of th Comet name.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Doors open, passengers heading into Centenary Square. They have also installed new bus stops.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 30

It was getting dark as early as between 3pm and 3:30pm and it was time to get my next tram towards Jewellery Quarter. Tram 30 seen coming from Paradise Circus into Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was about to cross tracks and head towards platform 2. Behind is a new view of Two Chamberlain Square and the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 30 now at platform 2 at Library Tram Stop. On the right is the Arena Central development with HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square and 3 Arena Central (for HMRC I think).

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Between Library and Grand Central the tram was nice and quiet. One of the monitors on board showing Library Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from my seat. The tram was about to depart. After Grand Central the tram got quite full, of Christmas shoppers etc, and I got off at Jewellery Quarter to check out the Banksy and see what all the fuss was about.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Jewellery Quarter

After riding the tram all the way from Library Tram Stop I got off the busy tram 30 at Jewellery Quarter Tram Stop. On the opposite platform was tram 34.

dndimg alt="Tram 30 and 34" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 and 34 at JQ Tram Stop (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

St Paul's

After checking out the Banksy on Vyse Street, I walked down Great Hampton Street and Constitution Hill. I saw the bridge down on Livery Street to popped there first which is actually on Northwood Street. Tram 28 was leaving St Chad's Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Birmingham Snow Hill Station behind, tram 28 Jasper Carrott slowly head's to St Paul's from St Chad's, while West Midlands Railway 172 342 heads towards Jewellery Quarter after leaving platform 1.

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A Chiltern Railways Class 168 was in it's usual spot at platform 2, as the tortoise vs hare race was clearly being won by West Midlands Railway!

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 28 about to arrive at St Paul's Tram Stop as the train headed into the Jewellery Quarter tunnels towards Jewellery Quarter Station. A Matter of Opinion on the right as well as a train not in service.

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Jasper Carrot tram 28 coming to a stop to pick up passengers towards Wolverhampton. It was time to walk down to St Paul's Tram Stop with the entrance to the left on Constitution Hill.

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I only just got to the tram stop when I saw the tram arriving. Tram 32 is one of those lime green OLA advert trams now with batteries. Seen coming through the Jewellery Quarter tunnels.

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 St Pauls Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I got tram 32 towards Bull Street. Standing room only. All stops after this one on the extensions. St Paul's is the last tram stop to open in 1999 that is closest to the City Centre after the original Snow Hill Tram Stop closed in 2015.

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 St Pauls Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bull Street

Standing room only on tram 32, I got off at Bull Street Tram Stop instead of Corporation Street. Although both are in walking distance of my usual bus stop on Carrs Lane. The Lewis Building to the right.

dndimg alt="Bull Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 Bull St (Dec 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As Tram 32 was about to turn onto Corporation Street, I saw tram 17 about to turn onto Bull Street. It was getting dark now, so was time to head to my bus home.

dndimg alt="Bull Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 Bull St (Dec 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
70 passion points
Transport
03 Dec 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

West Midlands Metro trams 34 and 35 on a test run between Grand Central and Town Hall (November 2019)

Post image

West Midlands Metro had trams 34 and 35 out at lunchtime on the 20th November 2019. When I saw them go between Grand Central Tram Stop on Stephenson Street to Town Hall Tram Stop on Paradise Street (I didn't have time to go to Centenary Square). They kept going up and down Pinfold Street, using the stop at Grand Central that has been out of service for a few years.

Related

West Midlands Metro trams 34 and 35 on a test run between Grand Central and Town Hall (November 2019)





West Midlands Metro had trams 34 and 35 out at lunchtime on the 20th November 2019. When I saw them go between Grand Central Tram Stop on Stephenson Street to Town Hall Tram Stop on Paradise Street (I didn't have time to go to Centenary Square). They kept going up and down Pinfold Street, using the stop at Grand Central that has been out of service for a few years.


This observation of the trams on a test run was on the lunchtime of Wednesday 20th November 2019. Involving trams 34 and 35. On this day I popped up towards Victoria Square, then back down to Stephenson Street. I saw tram 23 on a test run between the Town Hall and Centenary Square on Friday 22nd November 2019 (link to that post near the bottom of this post).

I had just missed Tram 34 heading down Stephenson Street. Seen leaving Grand Central Tram Stop. While tram 33 was in service to Wolverhampton.

dndimg alt="Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram test towards Town Hall 34 (Nov 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I popped up to Victoria Square via Pinfold Street and found West Midlands Metro Tram 35 at Town Hall Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Town Hall Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram test towards Town Hall 35 (Nov 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This was the tram formerly called Angus Adams (not sure why it was denamed). Also the tram the Queen got on board 4 years ago in 2015 (at Bull Street Tram Stop).

dndimg alt="Town Hall Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram test towards Town Hall 35 (Nov 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 35 seen heading past Victoria Square and the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, making it's way under battery power down Pinfold Street.

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram test towards Town Hall 35 (Nov 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 35 heading down Pinfold Street before turning left onto Stephenson Street. Birmingham New Street Station is directly ahead.

dndimg alt="Pinfold Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram test towards Town Hall 35 (Nov 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 35 comes to a stop at Grand Central Tram Stop. Trams in service were still using the platform next to Birmingham New Street Station.

dndimg alt="Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram test towards Town Hall 35 (Nov 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from Caffe Nero as Tram 34 departs from Grand Central Tram Stop. As it was out of service, passengers could not board this tram.

dndimg alt="Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram test towards Town Hall 34 (Nov 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As I sat in Caffe Nero, saw both trams 34 and 35 returning both ways on a test up and down the Westside Metro extension. Bit of an awkward view from the table I sat at. Later in the day I did pop back to Victoria Square (after dark) but did not see any trams on the new extension, but was an opening to Town Hall Tram Stop.

 

Bonus photos.

Tram 30 heading down Stephenson Place towards the current Grand Central terminus.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 30 Stephenson Place (Nov 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 36 seen at the end of October 2019. Now with the full blue livery and the My Metro app adverts still on it (passing Martineau Place and Poundland). The other advert trams are also now fully blue. Although tram 19 (1999 - 2019 - 20 Years) is unchanged.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Martineau Place WMM blue tram 36 My Metro Corporation St.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the 22nd November 2019 I observed tram 23 on a test between Town Hall and Centenary Square. Watch this space as that will be in a separate post to this one.

See that post here West Midlands Metro tram 23 on a test run between Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop (November 2019).

 

Update on the 28th November 2019. It's been a few weeks since Jasper Carrott himself had a ride on a tram for the first time in 70 years (towards Centenary Square). And they had a naming ceremony on tram 28 near the Town Hall in Victoria Square. Been waiting and waiting to see this tram with his name! Finally saw it at Grand Central Tram Stop as it departed for Wolverhampton.

dndimg alt="Jasper Carrott" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jasper Carrott tram 28 WMM Grand Central Tram Stop (Nov 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I have heard / read that Town Hall Tram Stop might be called Birmingham Town Hall Tram Stop. And Centenary Square Tram Stop maybe given the name Birmingham Library Tram Stop. Will have to wait and see when the stops actually opens in December 2019.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
50 passion points
Transport
25 Nov 2019 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

West Midlands Metro tram 23 on a test run between Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop (November 2019)

Post image

I did walk up Pinfold Street into Victoria Square again but saw no trams go up or down. So I headed to Centenary Square (after a coffee stop in Starbucks). And saw West Midlands Metro tram 23 on a test run between Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop. I then popped up to the Library of Birmingham to see it. Had a 20 to 25 min wait to see the same tram again!

Related

West Midlands Metro tram 23 on a test run between Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop (November 2019)





I did walk up Pinfold Street into Victoria Square again but saw no trams go up or down. So I headed to Centenary Square (after a coffee stop in Starbucks). And saw West Midlands Metro tram 23 on a test run between Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop. I then popped up to the Library of Birmingham to see it. Had a 20 to 25 min wait to see the same tram again!


First up, West Midlands Metro tram 21 departing Grand Central Tram Stop. Now in the full blue livery with the red Just Eat adverts as it moves onto the Wolverhampton bound tracks.

dndimg alt="Tram 21" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Just Eat tram 21 WMM Grand Central Tram Stop (Nov 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

When walking up Stephenson Street I think I saw another tram arrive at Grand Central, but none as I walked up Pinfold Street, into Victoria Square through the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. After a coffee stop in Starbucks, I headed towards Centenary Square.

West Midlands Metro tram 23 seen heading through Paradise Circus Queensway. The roadway is now complete. The view towards Suffolk Street Queensway and the Beetham Tower.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Centenary Sq (Nov 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading past Arena Central and Dandara, onto what used to be Broad Street. The Bus Gate has been rebuilt by the looks of it.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Centenary Sq (Nov 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 23 comes to a stop outside of HSBC UK at Arena Central. Before continuing onto Centenary Square Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Centenary Sq (Nov 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I next crossed through Centenary Square around the ice rink of Ice Skate Birmingham and headed into the Library of Birmingham. And went up to Level 3 and onto the Discovery Terrace. I waited around for around 10 minutes or so, even getting more photos of Ice Skate Birmingham, and the Westside Metro extension without the tram. Then went up to Level 7 to go to the Secret Garden.

Eventually I saw tram 23 heading round Paradise Circus Queensway. Looks like cars or buses in future would have to head down the slip road onto Suffolk Street Queensway.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen here heading onto what used to be Broad Street but is now considered to be Centenary Square. As it passes the Alpha Tower and HSBC UK at Arena Central.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Birmingham Big Wheel as tram 23 arrives at Centenary Square Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

End of the line, at least for another 2 years. Welcome to Centenary Square Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading back towards Town Hall Tram Stop. Back on Paradise Circus Queensway. I think Easy Row Subway is still under there, but the bridge has been reinforced.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (6) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

About to turn left towards Paradise Street. Which is Tram only. So if you are in a car, don't drive down there OK!

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (7) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These trams are quite flexible and bendy. No over head wires, all battery powered.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (8) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing Paradise Birmingham (on the left).

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (9) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now on Paradise Street heading towards Town Hall Tram Stop (for Victoria Square).

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 23 test to Cent Sq LoB SG (Nov 2019) (10) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
50 passion points
Transport
01 Oct 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

West Midlands Metro trams at Soho Benson Road and Winson Green Outer Circle

Post image

I headed to Handsworth for a walk towards Handsworth Park. Got off my first West Midlands Metro tram at Soho Benson Road. I later headed to Winson Green Outer Circle after leaving the park. Long walk. Trams all blue now, not seen any in pink! Tram 30 from Grand Central to Soho Benson Road. Tram 35 from Winson Green Outer Circle to Corporation Street. Also saw tram 32 again.

Related

West Midlands Metro trams at Soho Benson Road and Winson Green Outer Circle





I headed to Handsworth for a walk towards Handsworth Park. Got off my first West Midlands Metro tram at Soho Benson Road. I later headed to Winson Green Outer Circle after leaving the park. Long walk. Trams all blue now, not seen any in pink! Tram 30 from Grand Central to Soho Benson Road. Tram 35 from Winson Green Outer Circle to Corporation Street. Also saw tram 32 again.


Soho Benson Road Tram Stop

The next tram stop on from Jewellery Quarter, I caught West Midlands Metro tram 30 from Grand Central to Soho Benson Road. Blue with batteries on top. I think this is the tram stop to use for Soho House, as saw signs as I left.

dndimg alt="Soho Benson Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 30 Soho Benson Road (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The tram heads onto Winson Green Outer Circle on it's way towards Wolverhampton.

dndimg alt="Soho Benson Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 30 Soho Benson Road (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Railway bridges above from the Soho Loop from Birmingham New Street towards Hamstead (avoiding Perry Barr). I went on a train once up there.

dndimg alt="Soho Benson Road" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 30 Soho Benson Road (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Winson Green Outer Circle Tram Stop

After the walk to Handsworth Park I headed to Winson Green Outer Circle to go back to the City Centre. First up to arrive was West Midlands Metro tram 32. Seen here heading from Soho Benson Road.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Outer Circle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Winson Green Outer Circle WMM tram 32 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The battery-less tram with lime green adverts for OLA. See my tram 32 post here West Midlands Metro tram 32 gone blue with OLA adverts too!

dndimg alt="Winson Green Outer Circle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Winson Green Outer Circle WMM tram 32 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Island platforms here due to not being much room. Also the main railway line from Birmingham Snow Hill to Worcester runs next to it on the other side of the fence.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Outer Circle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Winson Green Outer Circle WMM tram 32 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 32 taking the steep climb up the tram bridge towards Handsworth Booth Street (the next tram stop).

dndimg alt="Winson Green Outer Circle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Winson Green Outer Circle WMM tram 32 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up was tram 35. Heading down the steep tram bridge.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Outer Circle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Winson Green Outer Circle WMM tram 35 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Getting closer on the tram bridge, all in blue.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Outer Circle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Winson Green Outer Circle WMM tram 35 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Arriving at Winson Green Outer Circle before I got on this tram to head back into the City Centre.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Outer Circle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Winson Green Outer Circle WMM tram 35 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later back at Corporation Street Tram Stop after I got off. The tram has lost the Angus Adams name (assume that West Midlands Metro may reapply it soon?).

dndimg alt="Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 35 Corporation Street Tram Stop (Sept 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a Police incident at the bottom of the ramp to Grand Central, so didn't take any more tram photos, but saw a few more at Grand Central from Caffe Nero.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
26 Sep 2019 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

All OLA again! This time West Midlands Metro tram 24 has gone blue!

Post image

This is the third tram I've seen in blue with lime green OLA adverts. West Midlands Metro tram 24 seen stationary at Grand Central Tram Stop near Birmingham New Street Station on Stephenson Street. Reckon another 3 months before I can see trams at Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop (if the next extension opens on time). But battery-less trams will not be able to go up!

Related

All OLA again! This time West Midlands Metro tram 24 has gone blue!





This is the third tram I've seen in blue with lime green OLA adverts. West Midlands Metro tram 24 seen stationary at Grand Central Tram Stop near Birmingham New Street Station on Stephenson Street. Reckon another 3 months before I can see trams at Town Hall Tram Stop and Centenary Square Tram Stop (if the next extension opens on time). But battery-less trams will not be able to go up!


A bit of déjà vu when walking through Birmingham New Street Station towards the Stephenson Street exit. Saw the lime green adverts on a blue tram. Coming out I noticed that it was tram 24 at Grand Central Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 24" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA blue tram WMM 24 Grand Central Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The same exact OLA adverts, as on tram's 27 and 32.

dndimg alt="Tram 24" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA blue tram WMM 24 Grand Central Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

And it has no batteries like those trams.

dndimg alt="Tram 24" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA blue tram WMM 24 Grand Central Tram Stop (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Still the situation on Corporation Street, where the waiting tram can't go down to Grand Central until the tram there starts heading up towards Wolverhampton. I did see two passing blue trams on Corporation Street, but wasn't close enough to get a shot of the pair.

 

Also new in blue: tram 26, 30 and 35. In fact not seen any pink trams recently! 

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
23 Sep 2019 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

West Midlands Metro tram 32 gone blue with OLA adverts too!

Post image

As with tram 27, tram 32 also has no batteries, has gone blue and also has the lime green OLA adverts. I've seen it on Corporation Street. Photos taken while it was stationary at Corporation Street Tram Stop (another tram probably at Grand Central). The Gym appears to be replacing Easy Gym.

Related

West Midlands Metro tram 32 gone blue with OLA adverts too!





As with tram 27, tram 32 also has no batteries, has gone blue and also has the lime green OLA adverts. I've seen it on Corporation Street. Photos taken while it was stationary at Corporation Street Tram Stop (another tram probably at Grand Central). The Gym appears to be replacing Easy Gym.


Just a small quick post this time. West Midlands Metro tram 32 has gone fully blue, and like tram 27 has OLA lime green adverts. Easy Gym to the left on Corporation Street is being replaced by The Gym. While New Look is still there, and Mothercare gone. Stationary at Corporation Street Tram Stop, probably as another tram was down at Grand Central (and it had to wait).

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA blue WMM tram 32 Corporation Street Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

No batteries on this tram either. So it won't be able to go up Pinfold Street from December 2019, unless West Midlands Metro engineers installs some before the opening of the next extension. Where Mothercare was is still vacant.

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA blue WMM tram 32 Corporation Street Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Thanks for a great year Birmingham We Are. Special thanks to Jonathan, Deb and Daniel.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
16 Sep 2019 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

Friday the 13th: OLA the West Midlands Metro tram without batteries (tram 27)

Post image

It was Friday the 13th when I saw West Midlands Metro tram 27 in blue with lime green OLA adverts. This time fully blue. Seen at Bull Street Tram Stop waiting to go to Birmingham. Have been looking out for other trams. The week before saw tram 20 at Corporation Street Tram Stop (in blue with batteries). But mostly the trams I've seen in blue before.

Related

Friday the 13th: OLA the West Midlands Metro tram without batteries (tram 27)





It was Friday the 13th when I saw West Midlands Metro tram 27 in blue with lime green OLA adverts. This time fully blue. Seen at Bull Street Tram Stop waiting to go to Birmingham. Have been looking out for other trams. The week before saw tram 20 at Corporation Street Tram Stop (in blue with batteries). But mostly the trams I've seen in blue before.


Friday 13th September 2019

OLA West Midlands Metro tram 27 seen at Bull Street Tram Stop near Forbidden Planet and Colmore Gate.

dndimg alt="Tram 27" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA WMM tram 27 Bull Street Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Thought the first shot on my phone camera didn't take, so though this was the first photo (these are now cropped and edited).

dndimg alt="Tram 27" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA WMM tram 27 Bull Street Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The OLA advert in the middle of tram 27 as it catches the light at Bull Street. Why get a private hire taxi when you can get the tram, bus or train instead?

dndimg alt="Tram 27" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA WMM tram 27 Bull Street Tram Stop (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This tram currently has no batteries, so it won't be able to go beyond Grand Central unless they fit batteries to it.

dndimg alt="Tram 27" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OLA WMM tram 27 Bull Street Tram Stop (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Friday 6th September 2019

West Midlands Metro tram 20 seen at Corporation Street Tram Stop. Waited a week before putting these into a post as wanted more photos of other trams. This one has batteries. I missed the other blue tram as it headed up to Bull Street (I don't know what number it was).

dndimg alt="Tram 20" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 20 Corporation Street Tram Stop (Sept 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 20 heading down Stephenson Place towards Grand Central Tram Stop, past the Apple building (in the former Midland Bank building).

dndimg alt="Tram 20" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 20 Corporation Street Tram Stop (Sept 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saturday 7th September 2019

Platform 3 at Birmingham Snow Hill Station. Not very clear views of the trams stopping at St Chad's Tram Stop. First saw West Midlands Metro tram 28.

dndimg alt="Tram 28" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Chads Tram Stop from BSH tram 28 (Sept 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Then tram 17.

dndimg alt="Tram 17" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Chads Tram Stop from BSH tram 17 (Sept 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a long wait for the train last Saturday at Birmingham Snow Hill due to "an obstruction on the line" or signalling.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
20 Aug 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

As expected West Midlands Metro tram 28 has gone blue

Post image

Another week goes by and another tram has gone blue. When I last rode it from West Bromwich Central to Corporation Street tram 28 was pink. Over a week later it is now blue. I keep seeing tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne about. Still looking out for tram 23, and apparently tram 30 has also gone blue. Only tram with batteries that hasn't gone blue is 35 Angus Adams, but not seen it recently.

Related

As expected West Midlands Metro tram 28 has gone blue





Another week goes by and another tram has gone blue. When I last rode it from West Bromwich Central to Corporation Street tram 28 was pink. Over a week later it is now blue. I keep seeing tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne about. Still looking out for tram 23, and apparently tram 30 has also gone blue. Only tram with batteries that hasn't gone blue is 35 Angus Adams, but not seen it recently.


Trying to see if I could see the blue trams from other city centre locations other than just Grand Central Tram Stop, walked up to St Paul's Square, then over to the bridge near Livery Street. No tram at that point, so walked down to st Chad's Tram Stop.

After seeing tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne again, I saw tram 28 in blue for the first time at Colmore Circus Queensway. Would have tried to take a photo of the two trams together but a limo and this street cleaning vehicle got in the way!

dndimg alt="Tram 28 blue" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 28 in blue at Colmore Circus (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was just over a week before that I rode this tram back from West Bromwich Central to Corporation Street when it was still pink. Now it's blue! Seen passing the crossing between Colmore Square and Colmore Row, with Bull Street behind.

dndimg alt="Tram 28 blue" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 28 in blue at Colmore Circus (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The lift at St Chad's Tram Stop was out-of-order, so walked up the steps. Tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne seen arriving, not far from the new Three Snowhill.

dndimg alt="Ozzy's tram 37 St Chad's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzys tram 37 WMM St Chads to Snow Hill (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Walked up a bit past the Living Wall that runs near Birmingham Snow Hill Station, and tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne headed up towards it's next stop at Bull Street.

dndimg alt="Ozzy's tram 37 Snow Hill living wall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzys tram 37 WMM St Chads to Snow Hill (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A few days before saw tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne at Grand Central Tram Stop in the rain. Saw it again on my walk to Birmingham New Street Station.

dndimg alt="Ozzy's tram 37 Grand Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blue WMM tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne in the rain at Grand Central Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This pretty much confirms that the tram is still called Ozzy Osbourne. "Rock 'n' Roll!"

dndimg alt="Ozzy's tram 37 Grand Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blue WMM tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne in the rain at Grand Central Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Ozzy Osbourne name seen on tram 37 back in June 2016 when at Corporation Street Tram Stop. Glad it kept that name. Now when are they going to give tram 35 Angus Adams the blue treatment (where is it, not seen it in town recently).

dndimg alt="Ozzy's tram 37 Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy Osbourne tram 37 when pink.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Since the West Midlands Metro trams with battery packs are going fully blue, I'm always on the look out for blue trams. On the 11th August 2019 saw tram 17 heading up Stephenson Place past the Apple building towards Corporation Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 17 Stephenson Place" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram 17 in blue West Midlands Metro up Stephenson Place (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Despite the tram going up the hill, people still walking down on the right. There is no longer a pavement on that side under the ramp.

dndimg alt="Tram 17 Stephenson Place" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram 17 in blue West Midlands Metro up Stephenson Place (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
09 Aug 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

West Midlands Metro tram 29 the fifth tram to go fully blue and trying out the My Metro app

Post image

I downloaded the new My Metro app, registered, and bought an off peak return day ticket. I headed to Grand Central Tram Stop and caught West Midlands Metro tram 29 to West Bromwich Central Tram Stop. I didn't realise it that it was the fifth tram to be unveiled fully in blue, the week starting Monday 5th August 2019. Some other trams I saw on the 8th August 2019.

Related

West Midlands Metro tram 29 the fifth tram to go fully blue and trying out the My Metro app





I downloaded the new My Metro app, registered, and bought an off peak return day ticket. I headed to Grand Central Tram Stop and caught West Midlands Metro tram 29 to West Bromwich Central Tram Stop. I didn't realise it that it was the fifth tram to be unveiled fully in blue, the week starting Monday 5th August 2019. Some other trams I saw on the 8th August 2019.


I've been meaning for a while now to have another ride on the tram to West Bromwich from Birmingham, and it's been well over a year and a half since I travelled up to Bilston and before that Wednesbury. Wanting an easier way to buy a day ticket, than wait for the inspector, I downloaded the new My Metro app. After registering with it, and uploading a profile photo, my account was ready. I chose the option to buy an off peak return day ticket for £4.00. It's valid on weekdays between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

After getting my bus to town and heading past the Bullring and Birmingham New Street Station I got to Grand Central Tram Stop where I found West Midlands Metro tram 29 waiting at the platform. I hadn't realised at the time that it was the fifth tram to get the full blue livery (I've yet to spot tram 23 like this).

dndimg alt="WMM tram 29 Grand Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 29 Grand Central Tram Stop blue.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I've always found it best to board the tram at Grand Central, as it's more likely to be more empty than at the other tram stops. I sat somewhere near the back on the right. The other platform is still out of action until the next extension opens to Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="WMM tram 29 Grand Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 29 Grand Central Tram Stop interior.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I got the tram as far as West Bromwich Central, and took these views of West Midlands Metro tram 29.

dndimg alt="WMM tram 29 West Bromwich Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 29 in blue at West Bromwich Central Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One more view of tram 29, before heading to New Square in West Bromwich to find The Three Degrees statue (called The Celebration).

dndimg alt="WMM tram 29 West Bromwich Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 29 in blue at West Bromwich Central Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Earlier when I first got to Birmingham New Street Station, saw another tram waiting at Corporation Street Tram Stop (before I got to the tram at Grand Central). It was tram 31. It couldn't move until tram 29 (the tram I would catch) would begin it's journey towards Wolverhampton.

dndimg alt="WMM tram 31 Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 31 in blue at Corporation Street Tram Stop from Grand Central.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of West Midlands Metro tram 31 from my seat on tram 29. It was still at Corporation Street tram stop, but it was about to move down to Grand Central.

dndimg alt="WMM tram 31 Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 31 in blue at Corporation Street Tram Stop from tram 29.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later back at West Bromwich Central Tram Stop, after another look around Dartmouth Park, I walked back to the tram stop to return to Birmingham. West Midlands Metro tram 21 in the Just Eat livery had arrived, on it's journey to Wolverhampton St George's.

dndimg alt="WMM tram 21 Just Eat West Bromwich Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 21 Just Eat West Bromwich Central Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Trams during the day are supposed to be every 6 minutes. Full side view of tram 21 in the Just Eat livery. See my previous post on the special livery trams here Blue ended West Midlands Metro trams with advertisements.

dndimg alt="WMM tram 21 Just Eat West Bromwich Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 21 Just Eat West Bromwich Central Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

West Midlands Metro tram 28 arriving at West Bromwich Central. Still in pink. I caught this crowded tram back to Corporation Street Tram Stop. I suspect this could be next for the fulyl blue treatment. It has the battery packs on the roof racks.

dndimg alt="WMM tram 28 West Bromwich Central" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 28 in pink West Bromwich Central Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
29 Jul 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

West Midlands Metro tram 37 has gone blue, that's Ozzy Osbourne's tram!

Post image

Walking along Stephenson Street, in the distance at Grand Central Tram Stop was a blue tram from West Midlands Metro. It wasn't tram 17 or 31. It was tram 37. That was the tram named after Ozzy Osbourne! I got to the tram stop too late as I saw it depart, so got some zoom in's. Here also some older photos from a few years ago when it was pink. I think it has lost Ozzy's name.

Related

West Midlands Metro tram 37 has gone blue, that's Ozzy Osbourne's tram!





Walking along Stephenson Street, in the distance at Grand Central Tram Stop was a blue tram from West Midlands Metro. It wasn't tram 17 or 31. It was tram 37. That was the tram named after Ozzy Osbourne! I got to the tram stop too late as I saw it depart, so got some zoom in's. Here also some older photos from a few years ago when it was pink. I think it has lost Ozzy's name.


Heading up Stephenson Street, after checking out the new tracks at Centenary Square and Pinfold Street, in the distance saw a blue West Midlands Metro tram waiting at Grand Central Tram Stop.

It started to ring it's bells as a signal that it was departing. Noticed that it was tram 37. This was the tram named after Ozzy Osbourne. So this is at least the second tram to go fully blue in July 2019! The tram may have lost Ozzy's name with the new blue livery.

dndimg alt="Blue tram 37" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blue tram 37 Grand Central Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The newly blue tram 37 pulling out of Grand Central Tram Stop on Stephenson Street on a wet Saturday afternoon in July 2019, as it climbs up Stephenson Place towards Corporation Street. I couldn't see it very well at Corporation Street Tram Stop, also another pink tram was arriving at Grand Central.

dndimg alt="Blue tram 37" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blue tram 37 Grand Central Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Ok, lets flip back to June 2016. This was when I first got tram 37, when it was pink. Ozzy Osbourne himself unveiled the name at Corporation Street Tram Stop during May 2016 (I wasn't there).

dndimg alt="tram 37" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Corporation Street Tram Stop Ozzy 37.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The next time I got a photo of tram 37 in Birmingham City Centre was around December 2017. Seen here on the grass track near the Snow Hill Living Wall heading for Priestfield (the line beyond Priestfield into Wolverhampton at the time was closed to enable new tracks to be laid along the Bilston Road).

dndimg alt="tram 37" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snow Hill living wall Midland Metro tram 37.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Shortly after it arrived at St Chad's Tram Stop in view of the BT Tower. Due to the position of the tram stop, Bull Street is now the recommended interchange stop with Birmingham Snow Hill Station. The old Snow Hill Tram Stop remains derelict and abandoned ever since this new tram stop opened. There is also plans to building another entrance into the existing Livery Street entrance on the Old Snow Hill side, not far from St Chad's Circus. Might make changing trams and trains much easier here. Then again, it's better to switch at Jewellery Quarter or The Hawthorns!

dndimg alt="tram 37" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Chads Tram Stop tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
24 Jul 2019 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

West Midlands Metro tram 17 the second tram to get the full blue treatment

Post image

West Midlands Metro released tram 17 in the full blue livery starting from the week from Monday 15th July 2019. The second full tram in blue after tram 31 was unveiled in July 2018. I've so far seen it near Colmore Square. Got this photo from Bull Street, although was hoping to get more. Maybe another time. This photo taken on Tuesday 23rd July 2019. Seen passing Martineau Place.

Related

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
02 Jun 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

West Midlands Metro tram 19: celebrating 20 years of the Midland Metro (1999 - 2019)

Post image

On the 30th May 1999 Midland Metro line 1 opened from Wolverhampton St Georges' to Birmingham Snow Hill. On the 30th May 2019, West Midlands Metro celebrated their 20 birthday by unveiling a new livery for tram 19. I finally saw it at Grand Central Tram Stop on Sunday 2nd June 2019 (was hoping to see it a few days earlier but kept missing it).

Related

West Midlands Metro tram 19: celebrating 20 years of the Midland Metro (1999 - 2019)





On the 30th May 1999 Midland Metro line 1 opened from Wolverhampton St Georges' to Birmingham Snow Hill. On the 30th May 2019, West Midlands Metro celebrated their 20 birthday by unveiling a new livery for tram 19. I finally saw it at Grand Central Tram Stop on Sunday 2nd June 2019 (was hoping to see it a few days earlier but kept missing it).


It has been 20 years since the original Midland Metro line from Wolverhampton St George's to Birmingham Snow Hill first opened to the public on the 30th May 1999. Although the first extension to Birmingham New Street Station only opened by 2016, and other proposed lines have yet to be built (hopefully the line to Dudley will get built soon). The next extension to Centenary Square is well under way, and hopefully that will open at the end of 2019? (with the next extension to the Hagley Road proposed to open by about 2021).

To celebrate the 20th birthday of the Midland Metro (now the West Midlands Metro), Urbos 3 tram 19 has been given a new livery with blue ends, and sections at the top celebrating the 20 years of the Metro!

I first spotted it as I was passing through Birmingham New Street Station. I quickly headed out onto Stephenson Street to get my photos of it before it departed for Wolverhampton!

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The standard shot from the current end of the line. A taxi is seen waiting for a barrier to be lifted (to let it through).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

1999 - 2019 - 20 Years.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

West Midlands Metro's trams are scheduled to travel nearly 2 million km per year, which is enough to go around the Earth 48 times!

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Celebrating 20 years. More detail of the fact above.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They have photos of tram 31 on the side. That was the first tram to get the blue livery treatment! Also a more bigger 1999 - 2019 - 20 Years sign. This near the section where the tram bends round the corner.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The first 23 tram stops opened between Birmingham Snow Hill and Wolverhampton St George's on the 30th May 1999. The first extension opened between 2015 and 2016. So at least 17 years later. There is also a new loop being built at the Wolverhampton end now, which will link Wolverhampton Station to the tram network!

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 19 near the front of the tram. A few minutes after arriving, I would see it depart by moving onto the left tracks bound for Wolverhampton! The colours kind of remind me of West Bromwich Albion. Also the livery was done at the depot in Wednesbury.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The other standard Urbos 3 tram view at Grand Central Tram Stop near Birmingham New Street Station. Tram 19 on it's short wait at Grand Central before departing for Wolverhampton and the Black Country. Hopefully by the time the next extension opens, the other platform will be brought back into use. Also one of the platforms at Corporation Street Tram Stop is still yet to get shelters installed (which would be on the side to catch a tram to Centenary Square in the future).

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 19: 20 Years 1999 - 2019 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 19 20 Years 1999 2019 (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown (over 1000 followers!).

Share  Connect with us
60 passion points
Transport
28 Feb 2019 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Cyrille Regis tribute on West Midlands Metro tram 31

Post image

I've been waiting a while to see West Midlands Metro tram 31 again, since I heard that they have named the tram after West Bromwich Albion legend Cyrille Regis! He was born in 1958 and died in 2018 and had a CBE. The tram was unveiled at the tram depot in Wednesbury. I finally saw the tram waiting at Corporation Street Tram Stop! In the glorious sunny late February 2019 weather!

Related

Cyrille Regis tribute on West Midlands Metro tram 31





I've been waiting a while to see West Midlands Metro tram 31 again, since I heard that they have named the tram after West Bromwich Albion legend Cyrille Regis! He was born in 1958 and died in 2018 and had a CBE. The tram was unveiled at the tram depot in Wednesbury. I finally saw the tram waiting at Corporation Street Tram Stop! In the glorious sunny late February 2019 weather!


Tram 31

Cyrille Regis was born on the 9th February 1958 and died on the 14th January 2018, aged 59.  Most famous for playing for West Bromwich Albion from 1977 to 1984, he also played for Coventry City from 1984 to 1991, Aston Villa from 1991 to 1993 and Wolverhampton Wanderers from 1994 to 1995, of the clubs in the West Midlands.

The tram was named after Cyrille Regis in the middle of January 2019 at the Wednesbury tram depot. You can see a video of that event at this link Cyrille Regis: Metro tram in memory of footballer.

I first saw the tram this time from Cannon Street and Fore Street, and found it stationary at Corporation Street Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 31 Cyrille Regis at Corporation Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 31 Cyrille Regis Corporation Street Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The same image seen further down the tram. Showing off nice in the unseasonable sunshine and warmth of late February 2019!

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 31 Cyrille Regis at Corporation Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 31 Cyrille Regis Corporation Street Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Full view of tram 31 with the Cyrille Regis livery memorial on the side. I think it's on the other side as well.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 31 Cyrille Regis at Corporation Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 31 Cyrille Regis Corporation Street Tram Stop (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Down to Stephenson Street, and another tram was waiting at Grand Central Tram Stop, hence the reason why tram 31 was waiting at Corporation Street. This view looking up Stephenson Place to Corporation Street with the spire behind from the Methodist Central Hall.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro tram 31 Cyrille Regis at Corporation Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 31 Cyrille Regis Corporation Street Tram Stop (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
26 Feb 2019 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Blue ended West Midlands Metro trams with advertisements

Post image

In February 2019 West Midlands Metro have recoloured at least three of their Urbos 3 trams with blue ends. Tram's 18 and 21 have a red Just Eat sponsorship. While tram 36 has a yellow My Metro app advert all over. I saw the trams between St Chad's / Snow Hill and Grand Central / New Street (not all on the same day). Am still waiting to see tram 31 again with the Cyrille Regis signs

Related

Blue ended West Midlands Metro trams with advertisements





In February 2019 West Midlands Metro have recoloured at least three of their Urbos 3 trams with blue ends. Tram's 18 and 21 have a red Just Eat sponsorship. While tram 36 has a yellow My Metro app advert all over. I saw the trams between St Chad's / Snow Hill and Grand Central / New Street (not all on the same day). Am still waiting to see tram 31 again with the Cyrille Regis signs


Tram 18

Seen at Grand Central Tram Stop. With the on going extension to Centenary Square, West Midlands Metro can only have one tram at a time at the stop near Birmingham New Street Station on Stephenson Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 18 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 18 blue ends Grand Central Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Very bright sunlight during this unseasonable sunshine and blue sky during late February 2019. Spring has arrived early this year!

dndimg alt="Tram 18 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 18 blue ends Grand Central Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Just Eat sponsorship includes deals with Subway, Burger King and KFC.

dndimg alt="Tram 18 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 18 Grand Central Tram Stop blue Just Eat (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

"Your favourite eats delivered to Birmingham streets".

dndimg alt="Tram 18 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 18 Grand Central Tram Stop blue Just Eat (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The middle section covered with the Just East sponsorship. The tram waiting to return to Wolverhampton.

dndimg alt="Tram 18 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 18 Grand Central Tram Stop blue Just Eat (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The other end with the same Just Eat take away deals with Subway, Burger King and KFC.

dndimg alt="Tram 18 at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 18 Grand Central Tram Stop blue Just Eat (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 21

My long wait was over to see some of the other trams in blue (tram 31 I first saw in the summer of 2018 but that was all blue). Here tram 21 is seen at St Chad's Tram Stop. Blue ended with Just Eat sponsorships.

dndimg alt="Tram 21 at St Chad's Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 21 blue ends Just Eat sponsorship (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The tram with battery packs (all the trams changed colours now have battery packs) seen passing the Snow Hill Living Wall. It was going past Three, Two and One Snowhill.

dndimg alt="Tram 21 passing the Snow Hill Living Wall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 21 blue ends Just Eat sponsorship (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

My first proper look at the tram with the blue ends and Just Eat sponsorship. Behind is the steps up to the Snow Hill Square between One and Nine Colmore Row. It was winding it's way around Colmore Circus towards Colmore Gate and Bull Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 21 passing 1 and 9 Colmore Row" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 21 blue ends Just Eat sponsorship (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A close up look at the Just Eat sponsorship. This one has different deals to tram 18. On tram 21 they have Chop & Wok, Caspian Pizza and Big John's.

dndimg alt="Tram 21 close up near One Snowhill" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 21 blue ends Just Eat sponsorship (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 36

I was holding off doing this post until I saw tram 36, as I was aware it had a different sponsorship on it. Luckily it was waiting at Corporation Street Tram Stop when I was hoping to see it in town. It was waiting here, as there was another tram at Grand Central Tram Stop, and couldn't move until that tram had started it's journey back to Wolverhampton. Still got the strong sunny conditions of late February 2019, very unseasonable and warm for this time of year! Easy Gym and New Look are the shops behind the tram.

dndimg alt="Tram 36 at Corporation Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 36 MyMetro App Corporation Street Tram Stop (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On this tram is a yellow branded livery for the My Metro app. Where you can plan your journey and buy day tickets (not tried it myself, and it's been over a year since I last had a ride on the Metro)! You used to have to buy your ticket from the inspector on board. Ticket machines at tram stops disappeared many years ago (never on the first extension).

dndimg alt="Tram 36 at Corporation Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 36 MyMetro App Corporation Street Tram Stop (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Slightly better to see from this side, due to the sunlight. The platforms at Corporation Street are slightly staggered. I did walk down to Grand Central Tram Stop, but didn't wait to see this tram heading down there. I next walked up towards Snow Hill.

dndimg alt="Tram 36 at Corporation Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 36 MyMetro App Corporation Street Tram Stop (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Before I saw tram 36 again, I had walked on the pavement near The Wesleyan at Colmore Circus and saw tram 28 with battery packs. Back on Colmore Row, I then spotted tram 36 making it's way back towards St Chad's Tram Stop. It is more striking looking like this than when it was pink!

dndimg alt="Tram 36 passing The Wesleyan from Colmore Row" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 36 MyMetro App The Wesleyan (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One Snowhill, Lloyd House (West Midlands Police HQ) The Wesleyan were the backing for tram 36 as it made it's way towards the grass track and the Living Wall at Snow Hill Station. Traffic had to wait for the tram to pass at the lights.

dndimg alt="Tram 36 passing The Wesleyan from Colmore Row" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Midlands Metro tram 36 MyMetro App The Wesleyan (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Share  Connect with us
30 passion points
Transport
16 Oct 2018 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Tram Stops in the Black Country from Wolverhampton to West Bromwich

Post image

A look at the tram stops in the Black Country of the West Midlands. Mainly in Wolverhampton, Bilston, Wednesbury and West Bromwich. They all originally opened back in 1999, but have since been altered to allow the new Urbos 3 trams to stop at them. Midland Metro line 1 goes from Wolverhampton St George's towards The Hawthorns before heading into Birmingham.

Related

Tram Stops in the Black Country from Wolverhampton to West Bromwich





A look at the tram stops in the Black Country of the West Midlands. Mainly in Wolverhampton, Bilston, Wednesbury and West Bromwich. They all originally opened back in 1999, but have since been altered to allow the new Urbos 3 trams to stop at them. Midland Metro line 1 goes from Wolverhampton St George's towards The Hawthorns before heading into Birmingham.


A look at some of the main tram stops in the Black Country between Wolverhampton and West Bromwich, including stops in Bilston and Wednesbury.

Starting with some of the tram stops that are in Wolverhampton.

Wolverhampton St George's Tram Stop

The tram stop opened on the 31st May 1999 and is the current terminus of line 1 on what is now known as the West Midlands Metro (formerly Midland Metro). T69 trams used to run between here and the former Snow Hill Tram Stop, until they were replaced by the Urbos 3 trams in 2014 - 2015. When the Birmingham City Centre extension opened in 2015 - 2016 to Grand Central, the T69's were retired, some were later scrapped.

dndimg alt="Tram 20 at Wolverhampton St George's Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wolverhampton St Georges Tram Stop - Tram 20.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was built as an island platform with a crossover loop, but was changed in 2015 when one platform was removed and is now used by buses. They are currently building an extension loop around to Wolverhampton Station (a redevelopment project has just started there) with stops at Pipers Row and Wolverhampton Station.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton St George's Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wolverhampton St Georges Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Royal Tram Stop

The tram stop opened on the 31st May 1999. It was named after a nearby hospital called the Royal Hospital which closed in 1997.

dndimg alt="Tram 33 at The Royal Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Royal Tram Stop - Tram 33.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The line from Priestfield to Wolverhampton St George's was closed for around 6 months in 2017 along the Bilston Road so that they could replace the tram tracks. This section reopened by the end of the year. The former Royal Hospital is Grade II listed and the former Tram & Bus Depot nearby was demolished for new housing. Tesco did acquire the hospital building in 2001 for a retail development but was sold to the Homes and Communities Agency in 2015 for residential development.

dndimg alt="The Royal Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Royal Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bilston Central Tram Stop

The tram stop opened on the 31st May 1999 along the brick lined former Great Western Railway cutting. The platforms are staggered.

dndimg alt="Tram 36 at Bilston Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bilston Central Tram Stop - Tram 36.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There are entrances at both ends of the tram stop. One end has a lift with steps. The other end has steps. The tram stop is a short distance to the north from the original Bilston Station on the Birmingham Snow Hill-Wolverhampton Low Level Line that closed down in 1972.

dndimg alt="Bilston Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bilston Central Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The tram stops below are all with Sandwell.

Wednesbury Parkway Tram Stop

This tram stop is in Wednesbury, and opened on the 31st May 1999.It has park and ride facilities. Get off here for walks along the Walsall Canal.

dndimg alt="Tram 31 at Wednesbury Parkway Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wednesbury Parkway Tram Stop - Tram 31.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The tram stop also has a third platform with a track as tram start from the Wednesbury Tram Depot which is next to Wednesbury Great Western Street Tram Stop. That platform is for trams that terminate here.

dndimg alt="Wednesbury Parkway Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wednesbury Parkway Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Wednesbury Great Western Street Tram Stop

The tram stop opened on the 31st May 1999 and it is near the Midland Metro tram depot (the base of the current and the former trams that used to be based there). The stop was built on the site of the former Wednesbury Central Station which closed in 1972.

dndimg alt="Tram 31 at Wednesbury Great Western Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wednesbury Great Western Street Tram Stop - Tram 31.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another former railway line runs close to underneath this tram stop. It was the South Staffordshire Line. The line towards Brierley Hill will be used to build a new extension. The overgrowth that has grown over the years has been cut down. The line could open by 2023. It will share trackbed with a heavy rail line to Walsall.

dndimg alt="Wednesbury Great Western Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wednesbury Great Western Street Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop

The tram stop opened on the 31st May 1999 and is to the western side of West Bromwich Town Centre. The stop is in a deep cutting. Sometimes just known as Lodge Road Tram Stop. Has West Bromwich Town Hall in it's name as it is nearby.

dndimg alt="Tram 33 at Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop - Tram 33.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As with Bilston Central, this tram stop has a lift with stairs at one end, and a ramp / walkway at the other end. It was one of the least used tram stops in the year 2015 / 16.

dndimg alt="Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lodge Road West Bromwich Town Hall Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

West Bromwich Central Tram Stop

This is the tram stop to use if you want to go to West Bromwich Town Centre. It opened on the 31st May 1999 and is quite close to West Bromwich Bus Station, and the shops. Sandwell College was built close to the tram stop,

dndimg alt="Tram 17 at West Bromwich Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Bromwich Central Tram Stop - Tram 17.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was built on the site of the former West Bromwich Station on the Great Western Railway line from Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level. In 2015/16 it was the most heavily used intermediate tram stop on line 1.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/West Bromwich Central Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Hawthorns Tram Stop

The railway station on the Jewellery line opened in 1995. While the tram stop opened on Midland Metro line 1 in 1999. The site was the location of The Hawthorns Halt from 1931 until 1968 opened by the Great Western Railway on their line from London Paddington via Birmingham Snow Hill to Birkenhead. The current station opened in 1995 when the Jewellery line was built connecting Birmingham Snow Hill to Smethwick and Stourbridge on the line to Worcester via Kidderminster.

T69 trams such as the one below were still being used late into 2014, as the Urbos 3 were introduced, but they were withdrawn from service in 2015. Many of them going to be scrapped.

dndimg alt="Tram 10 at The Hawthorns Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram10 TheHawthorns.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Football fans travel to this tram stop (or get the train) to watch the home matches of West Bromwich Albion FC play at The Hawthorns Stadium. There is separate paths for fans of different teams as they walk to the stadium. It is easy to interchange here between trams and trains (similar to Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham). So if you want to change between trams and trains do it here or at the Jewellery Quarter (at Birmingham Snow Hill, the new St Chad's Tram Stop you have to go down to road level then walk around under the Queensway tunnel or head towards the Colmore Row entrance, or use Bull Street Tram Stop).

dndimg alt="The Hawthorns Tram Stop and Railway Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Hawthorns Tram Stop and Railway Station.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
05 Oct 2018 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Tram Stops in Birmingham City Centre

Post image

A look at the Tram Stops in Birmingham City Centre, from Jewellery Quarter to Grand Central. Originally the old terminus from 1999 until 2015 was at Snow Hill on the former platform 4 of the railway station, before the first extension opened to Birmingham New Street Station by 2016.

Related

Tram Stops in Birmingham City Centre





A look at the Tram Stops in Birmingham City Centre, from Jewellery Quarter to Grand Central. Originally the old terminus from 1999 until 2015 was at Snow Hill on the former platform 4 of the railway station, before the first extension opened to Birmingham New Street Station by 2016.


Jewellery Quarter Tram Stop

The tram stop opened on the 31st May 1999 and is between Soho Benson Road and St Paul's. Jewellery Quarter Station itself opened in 1995. The station is near the mouth of the Hockley No 2 Tunnel. Interchange between trams and trains is quite easy here as there is a gate you can walk through.

dndimg alt="Jewellery Quarter Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TheMetro14.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram seen from the train at Jewellery Quarter Station.

dndimg alt="Jewellery Quarter Tram Stop from the train" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JQ Tram Stop from the train.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Pauls Tram Stop

The tram stop opened on the 31st May 1999 between Jewellery Quarter and Snow Hill. Pedestrians can access the tram stop from Constitution Hill. From the bridge above you have views of Birmingham Snow Hill Station plus the Snowhill development. Photo below was when Two Snowhill was just a pair of cores (was a delay of several years before it got going again). These days you can watch Three Snowhill being built!

dndimg alt="St Paul's Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69 Midland Metro Trams.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The platforms were altered on all stations from St Paul's to Wolverhampton St George's to allow room for the new Urbos 3 trams.

dndimg alt="St Paul's Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Pauls Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Chad's Tram Stop (formerly Snow Hill Tram Stop)

This tram stop opened on the 2nd June 2016 replacing the old Snow Hill Tram Stop. Originally named Snow Hill, but the stop is a bit far from the entrances of Birmingham Snow Hill, so it was renamed to St Chad's in January 2017. Took a while before the new lift and stairs around it opened to the public. Interchange between tram and train is best done at Jewellery Quarter or The Hawthorns. Here you would have to get the lift down or walk down the stairs. Then walk past the Queensway and turn onto Livery Street to get into the Livery Street entrance of Birmingham Snow Hill Station.

The former tram stop terminus was open from 1999 to 2015 at what was platform 4 of Birmingham Snow Hill Station, just finishing close to the Snow Hill Tunnel. It opened on 31st May 1999 and closed on 24th October 2015. The approach line was disconnected.

dndimg alt="St Chad's Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midland Metro tram.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Snow Hill Tram Stop - the former terminus used from 1999 until 2015.

dndimg alt="Snow Hill Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram05 SnowHill(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bull Street Tram Stop

The tram stop was the first to open on the first city centre extension on 6th December 2015. And was initially the new terminus due to the delay of opening Corporation Street and Grand Central. There was a visit of the Queen to officially open the line where she named tram 35 "Angus Adams".

dndimg alt="Bull Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blue 31 WMM BullSt (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Pair of trams seen in 2016 around the time that the terminus moved from Bull Street to Grand Central (or was about to).

dndimg alt="Bull Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bull Street Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Corporation Street Tram Stop

The tram stop opened on the 30th May 2016 after being delayed from December 2015. There is only a shelter on the side towards Wolverhampton. Currently no shelter on the platform towards Grand Central, although that could change once the second extension to Centenary Square opens in the future. Ozzy Osbourne came to name a tram after himself, no 37 at this stop in late May 2016.

dndimg alt="Corporation Street Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Corporation Street Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 37 Ozzy Osbourne departs from Corporation Street Tram Stop bound for Wolverhampton.

dndimg alt="Corporation Street Tram Stop - Ozzy 37" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Corporation Street Tram Stop Ozzy 37.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Grand Central Tram Stop

The last tram stop on the first city centre extension opened on the 30th May 2016 next to Birmingham New Street Station. It is on Stephenson Street. Trams normally go beyond the stop to the top of Stephenson Street, before heading onto a spur to get to the other side. But this will change from late September 2018 to allow the extension to Westside to be added to the existing tracks. The next stop will be Town Hall (for Victoria Square) followed by Centenary Square. Eventually the line will go as far as the bottom of Hagley Road at Five Ways.

dndimg alt="Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Grand Central Tram Stop.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Pair of trams seen at Grand Central Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Pair of trams at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Stephenson St trams.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos by Elliott Brown.

Share  Connect with us
43 passion points
Transport
21 Aug 2018 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Birmingham Corporation Tramways

Post image

Birmingham used to have an old tram network that ended around 1953. From 1904 to 1953 it was run by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Corporation_Tramways Although trams first ran in Birmingham from 1872. Today all that is left is a tram at Thinktank, several old depots, and other objects at museums.

Related

Birmingham Corporation Tramways





Birmingham used to have an old tram network that ended around 1953. From 1904 to 1953 it was run by https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Corporation_Tramways Although trams first ran in Birmingham from 1872. Today all that is left is a tram at Thinktank, several old depots, and other objects at museums.


In Birmingham you can visit Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum where you can see the only surviving intact tram left from the era.

It was the no 78 tram to Small Heath. Number 395 of the Birmingham Corporation Tramways. It had previously been in the old Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry until 1997. And at Thinktank from around 2001 onwards.

dndimg alt="Tram at Thinktank" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Old Tram at Think Tank Elliott.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is a tram museum in Derbyshire at Crich, called the National Tramway Museum. While they don't have any full size Birmingham trams there, due to the fact that the track gauge was different, they do have a couple of models.

This was a model of Birmingham Corporation Tramways No 700, on the 70 to Rednal. The actual tram it was based on was built by Brush Electrical Engineering Co Ltd in 1925. No. 700 was one of the last cars to be withdrawn from Miller Street Depot in August 1953.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Corporation Tramways 700" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Corporation Tramways no 700.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This tram model at Crich was of the Birmingham Corporation Tramsways service from Aston Cross to Steelhouse Lane.

dndimg alt="Birmingham tram Aston Cross to Steelhouse Lane" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Birmingham Corporation Tramways Aston Cross to Steelhouse Lane.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They also have this sign at the museum. Acocks Green and Dale End 44, which probably was removed from a tram that got scrapped?

dndimg alt="Acocks Green and Dale End 44" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Acocks Green and Dale End 44.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Also at the National Tramway Museum was a set of gates from the original Birmingham Wholesale Market. They were moved to the museum and installed in 1975.

The Blackpool Boat Car No 236 gives you an idea of what a tramline in Birmingham might have been like a century ago. Although Birmingham didn't have trams that looked like that! The gates are now used as an entrance to the museums tram depot.

dndimg alt="Blackpool Boat Car 236 and Birmingham Wholesale Market gates" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blackpool Boatcar 236 and Birmingham Wholesale Market gate.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Wholesale Market gates alternate view" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Crich Tramway Village.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After the old tram network closed down in 1953, many of the old tram depot buildings survived as the tracks were removed and the old trams were scrapped.

In Aston is this building not far from Villa Park. It was used as the Aston Manor Transport Museum until they had to close in 2011. Before that it was originally the Borough of Aston Manor Tramways Depot. It was built in 1882 for the Borough of Aston Manor. Also known as the Witton Lane Tramway Depot it is a Grade II listed building. Originally a steam tram depot from 1882, by 1904-06 it was converted to electric tram use. The City of Birmingham took it over from 1911 when Aston became part of the city. It was used as a tram depot until 1949. It was used to store and dismantle trams until 1953. By the 1980s the building was used as a car showroom, before it was a museum. Also known as the Witton Depot.

dndimg alt="Aston Manor Transport Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Aston Manor Transport Museum.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another old tram depot building that you can see is over in Selly Oak, now used by Access Storage. The depot opened in 1927. It was converted for motorbus used in 1952. You can see it on the 11C and 11A bus routes on Harborne Lane in Selly Oak, close to Selly Oak Triangle.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Tram Depot" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Tram Depot.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the Moseley Road in Balsall Heath was the Moseley Road Depot. It opened in 1907 and was converted for motorbus use in 1949. The building is quite derelict now, although parts of the building to the back are in use, the building at the front is not. It's a Grade II listed building, built by Lowe & Son in 1906. Designed by FB Osborn for Birmingham Corporation

 

dndimg alt="Balsall Heath Tram Depot" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Balsall Heath Tram Depot.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There is a section of track near the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on what was Edmund Street close to the Water Hall that is still there. It was the only section preserved in the city centre after rest of the tracks were lifted after the network closed in 1953.

dndimg alt="Tram track" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Edmund Street tram track.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Share  Connect with us
30 passion points
Transport
09 Aug 2018 - Your Place Your Space
Did you know?

Midland Metro trams 1999 - present

Post image

Midland Metro line 1 originally opened in 1999 with 16 T-69 trams built by the Italian company AnsaldoBreda. They were in service from 1999 to 2015 when they were replaced by the current Urbos 3 trams. 21 Urbos 3 trams entered service from September 2014.

See the full post for more details. Photography by Elliott Brown, Damien Walmsley and George Daley.

 

Related

Midland Metro trams 1999 - present





Midland Metro line 1 originally opened in 1999 with 16 T-69 trams built by the Italian company AnsaldoBreda. They were in service from 1999 to 2015 when they were replaced by the current Urbos 3 trams. 21 Urbos 3 trams entered service from September 2014.

See the full post for more details. Photography by Elliott Brown, Damien Walmsley and George Daley.

 


The T-69 trams originally had a livery of a blue body, red fronts, grey skirt and yellow doors.

dndimg alt="The Metro T69 tram 14" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TheMetro14.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

dndimg alt="T69 trams at St Pauls Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69 Midland Metro Trams.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

In later years some T-69 trams got a livery of silver and magenta. This was under Network West Midlands.

dndimg alt="Tram 10 at The Hawthorns Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram10 TheHawthorns.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

dndimg alt="T-69 Tram 5 at the old Snow Hill Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tram05 SnowHill(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

From September 2014 into 2015, the new CAF Urbos 3 trams gradually replaced the T-69 trams, until the last T-69 tram was withdrawn from service in August 2015. They were made in Spain by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (also known as CAF).

The new trams had the same livery as the old T-69's looking quite pink and white!

Before the first city centre extension was opened, the new trams still went into Snow Hill Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Urbos 3 tram at the Old Snow Hill Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Urbos3 tram Snow Hill.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

The extension intially opened to Bull Street Tram Stop by December 2015, and eventually to Grand Central by March 2016. (a delay of a year over the originally announced date).

dndimg alt="Urbos 3 tram on Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Urbos3 tram Corporation Street (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

dndimg alt="Urbos 3 Tram at Grand Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/tram Birmingham Damien Walmsley ‏ 161117.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Damien Walmsley

 

dndimg alt="Urbos 3 winter trams at St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Snowhill trams george daley 250118.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy George Daley

 

From July 2018, Midland Metro was taken over by the West Midlands Combined Authority from National Express, renamed West Midlands Metro.

One of the trams, no 31 was changed from pink to blue!

dndimg alt="Pink tram 35 Ozzy Osbourne passes blue tram 31 at Bull Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Urbos3 tram Bull Street pink vs blue.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

dndimg alt="Blue tram 31 on Corporation Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blue Tram (2) elliott.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

dndimg alt="Blue tram 31 standing at Bull Street outside The Lewis Building" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Blue 31 WMM BullSt (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Elliott Brown

 

For more information have a read of the Wikipedia pages below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Midlands_Metro_rolling_stock

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Midlands_Metro

Share  Connect with us
40 passion points
Transport
23 Jul 2018 - Your Place Your Space
News & Updates

Birmingham trams - colour change and new fares

Post image

Birmingham's trams in pink are being phased out in favour of a new blue. The new trams are currently receiving a re-spray and are starting to roll out in July 2018.

There are also changes to the types of fares charged. 

See full post for details.  Photography by Elliott Brown.

Related

Birmingham trams - colour change and new fares





Birmingham's trams in pink are being phased out in favour of a new blue. The new trams are currently receiving a re-spray and are starting to roll out in July 2018.

There are also changes to the types of fares charged. 

See full post for details.  Photography by Elliott Brown.


It's blue! - that's the new colour chosen by Transport for West Midlands who have taken over ownership of the Birmingham's trams from private bus company National Express.

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/blue tram 3 elliott.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo by Elliott Brown

All the pink trams are to be re-sprayed in the new colour from July 2018 onwards.

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Urbos 3 Midland Metro Tram Stephenson St Birmingham Elliott 210118.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo by Elliott Brown.

Fares have also been given an overhaul.

New fares include:

Metro only day tickets costing £5.50 at peak times, and £4 after 9.30am weekdays and at weekends.

A group day ticket (for up to 5 adults or 2 adults and 4 children) is being reduced to £8.50 during the day and £5 after 6pm.

Reductions on many of the single and return fares with discounts for Swift card users.

Currently underway is a major expansion of the network in Birmingham City Centre, new tracks in Wolverhampton City Centre, and extentions at Wednesbury to Brierly Hill. There are also proposals for a line to Birmingham Airport.

To go with the changes and move to WMCA is a new logo:

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/west mids metro.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

See more posts and images at our featured passion 'Birmingham & West Midlands Trams - Past, present and future' 

Share  Connect with us
30 passion points
Transport
21 Jan 2018 - Your Place Your Space
Gallery

Trams - past, present and future to run as a Birmingham+ project with passionate people across our community

Post image

Kevin Maslin's great photo prompts the launch of our new "Trams - past, present and future" as the latest of our Birmingham 100+ projects with passionate people in our community. View the start of our collection of photos and links and please send us yours and help build this exciting gallery of resource on trams in Birmingham and the West Midlands. 

Related

Trams - past, present and future to run as a Birmingham+ project with passionate people across our community





Kevin Maslin's great photo prompts the launch of our new "Trams - past, present and future" as the latest of our Birmingham 100+ projects with passionate people in our community. View the start of our collection of photos and links and please send us yours and help build this exciting gallery of resource on trams in Birmingham and the West Midlands. 


dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/trams imran_ab ‏ 171117.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photo courtesy Imran Ali

 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/tramway birmingham @edmundschefs 260917.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Trams from the past in Birmingham, source unknown 

 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Corporation Street Kev Maslin 210118.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram on Corporation Street, Birmingham courtesy Kevin Maslin

 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/tram Birmingham Damien Walmsley ‏ 161117.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Birmingham tram courtesy Damien Walmsley 

 

Share  Connect with us
39 passion points
Close and return