Alternative to under-threat Dudley extension under consideration
Posted on 16th September 2024 at 11:24
It was revealed in July that the proposed Wednesbury-Brierley Hill extension to the West Midlands
Metro may now not be completed in full.
The first-phase of the line, from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre, is due to open next year, but the final stretch between the Merry Hill centre and Brierley Hill has been shelved, while funding
for the link between Dudley and Merry Hill is on a knife edge amid mounting costs.
Transport for West Midlands revealed in July that the cost of the total cost of extending the Metro tramline from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill town centre had risen from the £449 million originally
budgeted, to an estimated £650 million.
Steve Jasper, of Stourbridge shuttle operator Pre Metro, said his company could provide a service connecting Dudley, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge for less than a quarter of the cost of linking
Dudley to the Waterfront under the existing proposals.
Mr Jasper said the 'Stourbridge Dasher' plan could be implemented more quickly than the West Midlands Metro, would create less disruption, and would provide easier access between Dudley and Stourbridge.
He said a link between Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Dudley, making use of the existing railway line, could be delivered for just £50 million – a 78 per cent saving compared to the cost of
extending West Midlands Metro from Dudley to the Waterfront.
He said: "It’s time for the combined authority to prioritise financial accountability and embrace transformative alternatives.
"By safeguarding public funds, we can deliver a brighter, more connected future for everyone.
Mr Shingadia, Director of Straetgic Partnerships and integration with Transport for West Midlands, said the authority was exploring a range of options, from rapid bus services to full
tramways.
"We have invited Pre Metro for further engagement at the appropriate time as these proposals develop," he said.

An extension to the Stourbridge shuttle is being proposed as a cut-price alternative to the Dudley-Brierley Hill project which is currently under threat due to rising costs (Pre-Metro Operations)
Mr Shingadia said concerns had rightly been raised over the costs of the ongoing Metro projects.
"However a number of factors are responsible for this, including that the majority of our works
take place in busy town and city centres where works not only include the laying of track and
overhead lines, but also involve the cost of associated utility diversions, road and pavement works
as well as wider improvements to the public realm.
"At the same time we do look for opportunities to innovate and have, for example, pioneered the
use of battery powered trams to avoid the need for overhead lines.
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