Suspended West Midlands Metro 'affecting all aspects of life'
It could be at least four weeks until services resume
Last updated 16th Nov 2021
Some West Midlands people are becoming frustrated over suspended metro services, after it was announced that trams would be cancelled for repairs on Saturday.
Natalie, a working mum from the West Midlands, says the suspended trams are causing problems to her working and family life.
"I get the metro every day from Wednesbury Parkway to work and home from work, it has really affected me, all aspects of my life really", she said.
"(I'm) having to put my daughter now into breakfast club in the morning because I need to get to either Walsall or Wolverhampton in order to get to work on time.
"One of the things that I really love to do is head into Birmingham for a really lovely festive day out with friends and family and I probably will still do that, but I will really think about how I’m getting there and what I’m doing.
"I’d normally jump on the metro or on the train, but I’ll probably be driving into Birmingham which isn’t ideal - we should be encouraged to be getting on train’s and metros."
It could be at least four weeks until services on the West Midlands Metro resume.
All trams have been cancelled until further notice for safety reasons since Saturday 13th November, and so repairs can be carried out.
Earlier this year, the Metro discovered cracks on the trams, which resulted in a temporary interruption to services for inspections and repairs.
Temporary repairs were carried out to return the fleet to service as soon as possible but inspections have found that more extensive and permanent repairs are now required.
The Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, has tweeted saying it's 'incredibly disappointing' and he's seeking 'urgent answers from the Metro and the maunfacturer.
The Metro are continuing to work alongside the tram manufacturer to understand the issues and carry out the repairs as quickly as possible, and have sincerely apologised for the inconvenience will cause.
Work is now being done alongside Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to ensure measures are in place so that customers are still able to travel safely and reliably around the region on public transport.