A series of engagement events are being held across Sandwell and Dudley this November for local residents and businesses to find out more about the eagerly anticipated Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, which is being designed and delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance on behalf of Transport for West Midlands.

Alongside the events, those living or working close to the forthcoming West Midlands Metro route will be able to pick up a new information leaflet detailing the facts and figures about the new tramway, including what stages the design and construction activity will go through, a more detailed map of the route and the benefits that the extension will bring to the local area. Leaflets will be available at the events and also at travel shops in Sandwell and Dudley.

The announcement of the autumn engagement events was marked by local politicians at the West Midlands Metro depot in Wednesbury, where the new 11 kilometre route to Brierley Hill begins.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Transport for West Midlands is revolutionising the region’s public transport network with a £4 billion upgrade plan to improve existing and create new journeys for passengers all across the West Midlands. As part of this plan we are opening a metro route from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, something that will undoubtedly bring huge benefits to Dudley and the wider Black Country. Not only is design work now underway but residents and businesses can find out more about our scheme and what it will mean for them by dropping into one of the many events taking place in the coming weeks. This extension has been a long time coming and I am delighted that we are pressing ahead at full speed.”

Speaking about the route, Councillor David Vickers, Deputy Leader of Dudley Council, said: “There’s very little doubt for those living and working in Dudley that this Metro route will make a massive difference to the town. It will help deliver new homes, jobs and so much more for the borough.”

Seven public engagement events are being held across Sandwell and Dudley in total on the following dates and times:

Date	Time	Location
Monday 11 November	6pm – 9pm	Tipton Muslim Community Centre, Wellington Road, Tipton. DY4 8RS
Wednesday 13 November	3pm – 9pm	Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust, Birmingham New Road, Dudley. DY1 4SB
Thursday 14 November	3pm – 9pm	Coneygre Community Centre, Sedgley Road East, Tipton. DY4 7TS
Monday 18 November	10am – 4pm	Copthorne Hotel, The Waterfront, Level Street, Brierley Hill. DY5 1UR
Tuesday 19 November	3pm – 9pm	Woodside Methodist Church, 14 Hallchurch Road, Dudley. DY2 0TH
Monday 25 November	3pm – 9pm	New Road Methodist Church, Mount Street, Tipton. DY4 7DE.
Tuesday 26 November	10am – 4pm	Village Hotel, Castlegate Drive, Dudley. DY1 4TB.

The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will enhance public transport in the Black Country, providing much-needed links to the existing heavy and light rail networks, and helping to connect people to education, training and career opportunities further afield in the West Midlands. Passenger services are expected to commence in 2023.

The extension will also play its part in helping to regenerate the Wednesbury, Dudley and Brierley Hill areas, making it more attractive to investors, and, when complete, will provide easy access to the intu Merry Hill shopping centre, and the region’s many and varied attractions via public transport. Once up and running there will be up to 17 new stops. The new system will also reduce journey times by half compared to travelling by bus.

The extension, along with a number of others in the West Midlands, is being planned, designed and delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The WMCA has embarked upon an ambitious plan to regenerate the region and provide new opportunities for residents and businesses.

Sandwell Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport, Councillor Jackie Taylor, said: “People living in Sandwell are excited about the new metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill. It will provide better access for our residents to the West Midlands using a greener form of public transport which will reduce congestion on our busy roads and will help people to get around the area more efficiently.”

Alejandro Moreno, Director of the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “Over the next twelve months, a lot of the work taking place for the route may not be hugely visible. We’re completing detailed designs and upgrading and diverting utilities. However, we urge local people to come to our events throughout the autumn to find out a little more about when they can expect to see us working in the area.”

Residents and business are also being asked how they would like to be kept up to date as development continues and how they want to be informed. People can also share their thoughts and questions on the route by emailing communications@metroalliance.co.uk or by visiting http://metroalliance.co.uk/wednesbury-to-brierley-hill-events/.