Plans for an Eastside extension of the Midland Metro have been approved and are scheduled to start in 2019, with hopes that it will be open for public use by 2022. Midland Metro are planning to add 1.7km of track running from the current line at Bull Street to a new terminal at High Street Deritend.
It will serve the proposed HS2 station on Curzon Street with claims that it will be a 'smooth delivery process'. The extension will also serve the Eastside regeneration area, with the scheme including a bus interchange to compensate for the loss of the bus routes that will need to be removed due to the Metro alignment.
The MMA say that the extension in 'intended to give greater accessibility and connectivity to the West of the city, support ecomomic and population growth by linking jobs and people, improve sustainable transport options along Broad Street and to the West of the City and improve the public realm and the image of the city whilst also encoraging development.'
This extension is claimed to encourage the use of Midland Metro and an alternative to a car, therefore helping to reduce congestion, noise and greenhouse gasses. This will improve the local air quality and generate opportunities for improved walking and cycling routes.
Local bus user John Davies about his thoughts on the transport proposal.
"I think that it's a very good idea and if it's going to be faster than busses as they claim, it could be my new way to get to work as at the minute I'm having to leave early and change busses to get to work on time. This extension could mean extra time in bed!"
This extension will also provide improved public transport links for the Eastside and Digbeth areas between key population, eduaction and employment areas in the city. Midland Metro claim this will reduce journey time and maximise interchange opportunities between various transpotration modes including bus, rail and coach services.
The service frequency is every 6 minutes at peak and every 15 minutes off peak, Monday to Friday running from 04:40 to 00:15, Saturday 04:40 to 01:00 and Sunday service from 07:20 to 00:10.
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