The proposed Midland Metro extensions serve regeneration areas in the Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Birmingham and Dudley local authority areas, improving accessibility and mobility to, from and within these areas.

 

An independent study found the Midland Metro extensions have the potential to create nearly 15,000 jobs and add over half a billion pounds to the region's economy.

 

The routes ready for implementation are Birmingham Snow Hill to Five Ways via Corporation Street, New Street Station and Broad Street; and Wednesbury to Brierley Hill via Dudley Town Centre and Merry Hill. Four other routes are still being developed and they are from Birmingham City Centre to the airport, Birmingham City Centre to Great Barr, Five Ways to Quinton and Wolverhampton to Wednesbury via Walsall.

 

Midland Metro Line 1 has played an important part in the growth and performance of the local economy since its launch and the proposed extensions will bring significant further rewards.

 

The economic growth of the West Midlands and the regeneration of the most deprived areas have helped to shape the design of the Midland Metro extensions.

 

In terms of getting a transport network fit for the future, expansion of Midland Metro is critical. The Outline Business Case for 'Phase One' extensions is with Government, for the Birmingham City Centre and Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro routes. Metro is a catalyst for regeneration and job creation. A recent Social and Economic study by the Centre for Economic and Business Research showed that Metro expansion would create nearly 15,000 jobs and add nearly half a billion pounds to the West Midlands economy.

 

The extensions have the potential to create 14,506 new jobs of which 73.9% will be from Regeneration Zones adding £513million to the region's economy. The sectors which will receive the biggest boost from the improved network are business services, wholesale, retail and manufacturing. Health and education sectors will also reap the rewards.

 

Routes have been tailor-made to meet the requirements of the local authorities in helping to achieve an integrated, long-term regeneration strategy. Developed in partnership with the private sector, the strategy helps to address competitiveness and build sustainable communities with Midland Metro being a key component in its achievement.

 

Expansion was a recommendation of the original Government Multi Modal Study. It is now an integral part of the Regional Spatial Strategy, LTP and Regional Transport Plan.

 

Westfield, owners of the major shopping centre at Merry Hill, have already committed £36.5 million pounds as a contribution to the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro route, reflecting its importance to the Black Country.

 

Construction work began in early 2007 on a new viaduct which will carry Midland Metro past Snow Hill and into the heart of Birmingham city centre as part of the proposed Snow Hill to Five Ways city centre extensions being developed by Centro.

 

The viaduct, estimated to cost £9m, is a contribution from private developer Ballymore and is further recognition of the importance of the scheme in improving the connectivity of the city.

 

Based on figures for the modal transfer achieved for Line 1, the Phase 1 and 2 routes would together remove almost eight million car journeys from the West Midlands' already congested roads each year.

 

When completed, Phase 1 and 2 Metro could carry up to 65million passengers per annum and is expected to make a profit in the region of £20million.

 

We are also looking at enhancing the case for future Metro through shared use of rail lines using 'tram - trains'. Possibilities include the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill and Coventry to Nuneaton Corridors.

 

This imaginative use of 'tram/train' would not replace, but supplement current plans for Metro. Implementation may also facilitate introduction of a south/west to north/east freight corridor, unlocking freight capacity.