First tram reaches Wolverhampton station on test

 

In the late evening of 4 April the first test run with a tram took place on the new line from the Royal along Pipers Row and Railway Drive to Wolverhampton station, using CAF Urbos 100 43. 

 

It is expected that the first tram carrying passengers will run in June after an extensive testing and commissioning programme. The 700m of new line features an intermediate stop at Pipers Row to serve the city’s bus station. When revenue service is introduced the £35M branch will feature a six-minute peak headway, 15-minute off peak; alternate trams will continue to serve the existing Wolverhampton terminus at St George’s. the new line is opening about 18 months later than originally planned due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic; the first preparatory work started in autumn 2017 and at that time it was hoped it would be ready to carry passengers in time for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Wolverhampton station is a brand new building, opened in 2021. 

 

City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Economy Councillor Stephen Simkins said: “The new Interchange is already proving to be a game-changer for Wolverhampton by helping to attract the first government department headquarters outside of Whitehall, at the i9 building next to the railway station and Metro.