Extension Overview

The final extension currently planned to be delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance will see the route from the Birmingham Eastside Extension extended further eastwards by approximately 17km to serve North Solihull and terminate at the High Speed 2 (HS2) interchange station, allowing passenger access by West Midlands Metro to the airport, National Exhibition Centre and Genting Arena when open for passenger service.

The route is the transport element of a regeneration plan for the area. An important driver being the linking of the two HS2 termini with the Black Country by West Midlands Metro (as well as everywhere in between) and encouraging more of the general public to choose green transport options for their day-to-day travel.

When the route is open, it will increase employment opportunities across the region allowing people in this area to easily travel throughout the West Midlands. Similarly, the construction of the route would provide a number of job opportunities with the Midland Metro Alliance as we are dedicated to building the tramway with local resources and labour, ensuring the region truly benefits from the growth of the Metro network.

The headline benefits of this route are...

  • Modal shift to Metro, resulting in journey time savings and reduced congestion along with the associated environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and reduction in noise
  • Regeneration benefits including the interface with Enterprise zone, and the major developments in East Birmingham, North Solihull and the UK Central Hub
  • Improving access to jobs, education and services along the East Birmingham, North Solihull corridor
  • Improving connectivity to other public transport modes as part of an integrated transport network

What is the outline programme for delivery?

This extension requires a new Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application to be submitted. This will provide the powers to construct, maintain and operate the tramway between Birmingham and Solihull.

A Business Case was submitted in spring 2018 to unlock the further development funding required to take the project through its next steps of route design, public consultation and preparation of the TWAO application.

What service is expected to run on the extension?

  • Service frequency will be six minutes service during peak times with a 15 minute service off-peak.
  • Monday to Friday: 04:40 to 00:15
  • Saturday: 04:40 to 01:00
  • Sunday: 07:20 to 00:10 at 15 minute frequency

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the route link to HS2?

Yes, the proposed route is planned to extend from the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension and serve HS2 at the HS2 Interchange Station (near Birmingham International Airport and Railway Station).

How do you design and build a tramway?

As well as requiring legislative permission from central government, construction involves a lot of collaborative work with the local community. You can find out the stages of construction via a video here.

How will this impact residents and businesses in the area?

Unavoidably, there will be some disruption during the works but we aim to minimise this wherever possible.

Where can I get more information on HS2?

Find out more about HS2 at https://hs2inbirmingham.commonplace.is/. The site provides information and updates on HS2 and the work happening in the local area.