West Midlands Metro: Tram services to see 'phased return' from this week

Tram services from Birmingham to areas in the West Midlands will begin a phased return from Monday.

It comes as a programme of permanent repairs to West Midlands Metro’s tram fleet is progressing well and bosses are confident they will be able to start a phased return of service this week.

Services were suspended on November 13, with West Midlands Metro saying it would be at least four weeks before enough trams were available to sustain a "safe, reliable and robust service."

Currently, almost half the fleet has received permanent repairs and this work is continuing.

Several new trams are also entering the final stages of testing required before they can enter passenger service.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street tweeted the news, apologising for passenger disruption.

Despite West Midlands Metro saying there was no official date for a full return, the phased reintroduction of trams would begin from Monday.

In a statement, they added, "Once again, we are sorry for the continued inconvenience to customers."