West Midlands Metro – The first light rail system in the UK to use battery power
Friday 21st March 2025.
West Midlands Metro is the first light rail system in the UK to use battery power over part of its route. The aim of the visit is to see the battery-powered trams in action and to hear a presentation about why battery power was chosen and how the charging system works.
Members should make their own arrangements for lunch, and assemble promptly at 1.00 p.m. at the Grand Central tram stop in Birmingham (adjacent to New Street Station). We will then travel by tram over the contactless section through Centenary Square and Broad Street to Edgbaston Village.
We will then return by tram though Birmingham City Centre and on to the depot in Wednesbury, where Metro staff will give us a presentation about the Metro generally, the battery operation, and planned extensions to the system. We hope to be able to try the driving simulator at the depot if it is not in use for Metro staff.
We estimate that the visit will last for 2 or 3 hours. At the conclusion, members will be free to explore the system, travel on to see the new extension to Wolverhampton station, or return to Grand Central for the journey home.
This is a Members only event. Space at the Metro depot is limited, so we will operate a booking system via the LRTA Membership System. There is a small charge to book of £7 which will include an off peak day travel card for the whole system. (There is a reduced charge of £2 for West Midlands residents who have a Metro Pass).
To book go to Membermojo Store
Not a member – Join up with our 3 months free offer now here