The West Midlands Metro is more popular than ever with tram passenger numbers now higher than they were before the Covid pandemic.
New data from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows 8.3 million journeys were made in the past year, a 53.7% increase over 2023, and passing the eight million recorded in 2019.
This increase in passenger numbers follows significant investments in the Metro system, including the Westside Extension in Birmingham, which added three new stops in 2022, and the Wolverhampton city centre extension, which now provides seamless connection with the railway and bus stations.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), continues to grow the tram network, working with the Midlands Metro Alliance (MMA) to build the Black Country extension and a new link to Digbeth in Birmingham.
The tram extensions are being funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), awarded by the DfT to better connect people to education, leisure, and job opportunities across the region.
The growth in passenger numbers has been welcomed by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands who highlighted the importance of continued investment in transport infrastructure to support the region’s future development.
He said: “Passenger numbers on the Metro are back to where they should be, and that’s a direct result of the investment in our network. Topping 8.3 million journeys shows that people trust the Metro to get them to the places they need to be including work and school.
“The tram is an essential part of my vision to create an affordable, reliable and accessible transport network – which is why I was pleased to confirm the next stage of the Black Country Metro extension recently.
“I will keep pushing to make transport better for everyone, making sure it connects people to the jobs, services and opportunities they need.”
Image credit: TfWM
