Metro passenger numbers bounce back to beyond pre-Covid levels

The West Midlands Metro is more popular than ever with tram passenger numbers now higher than they were before the Covid pandemic.

New data from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows 8.3 million journeys were made in the past year, a 53.7 per cent increase over 2023, and passing the 8 million recorded in 2019.

This increase in passenger numbers follows significant investments in the Metro system, including the Westside Extension in Birmingham, which added three new stops in 2022, and the Wolverhampton city centre extension, which now provides seamless connection with the railway and bus stations.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), continues to grow the tram network, working with the Midlands Metro Alliance (MMA) to build the Black Country extension and a new link to Digbeth in Birmingham.

The tram extensions are being funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), awarded by the DfT to better connect people to education, leisure and job opportunities across the region.

The growth in passenger numbers has been welcomed by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands who highlighted the importance of continued investment in transport infrastructure to support the region’s future development.

He said: “Passenger numbers on the Metro are back to where they should be, and that’s a direct result of the investment in our network. Topping 8.3 million journeys shows that people trust the Metro to get them to the places they need to be including work and school.

“The tram is an essential part of my vision to create an affordable, reliable and accessible transport network – which is why I was please to confirm the next stage of the Black Country Metro extension recently.

“I will keep pushing to make transport better for everyone, making sure it connects people to the jobs, services and opportunities they need."

The first phase of the Black Country Metro Extension between Wednesbury and Dudley is due to open later this year and construction work on the next phase to Merry Hill has also now started.

The investment in infrastructure is part of the Mayor’s commitment to create journeys for everyone by building a transport network that is accessible and reliable.

Additional upgrades on the Metro, such as the introduction of new ticket machines, are also helping to make travel more seamless by offering passengers convenient payment options.

Sophie Allison, managing director of Midland Metro Limited (MML), said: “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the entire Metro team, our system is even busier than before the pandemic, and I’m delighted to be leading them into a new era.

“These welcome figures come just weeks after our recent satisfaction survey showed that customer satisfaction also continues to reach new heights and, as we look towards further expansion, our focus will be on further enhancing the passenger experience for the thousands of people who rely on us every day.

“The continued growth and popularity of the Metro is a testament to the region’s commitment to improving transport for everyone.”