Midlands: Buses are set to return to calling at Birmingham’s iconic “golden-mile” in June following successful infrastructure tests which took place earlier this week.
Those travelling will be able to alight at several new bus stops along Centenary Square and Broad Street which were installed as part of ongoing construction for the Birmingham Westside Metro extension. Buses have been calling at alternative stops since May 2019 when construction for the Metro first got underway.
Later in May, there will be final tests completed, including testing the interface with the tram network. Public transport users are being asked to check with their bus operator to stay updated on when exactly buses will service Broad Street and Brindleyplace once again.
Transport for West Midlands has updated those in the local area, along with schools, colleges and universities, of the forthcoming changes. Further details can be found at: www.tfwm.org.uk/westside-
Mark Corbin, director of network resilience at Transport for West Midlands, said: “So many local people depend on public transport for work, education and leisure. It is really important that we let customers know about changes as soon as we can so have written, with our colleagues at Midland Metro Alliance, to a number of key stakeholders in this area of the city.”
Further testing and commissioning and driver training on the Westside Metro extension will continue through June and a start date for passenger tram services will be determined in due course.
As the testing draws closer to completion remaining traffic management measures and site fencing will be removed to allow the road to fully reopen to public transport. After which, Broad Street will become a red route with motorists unable to stop to load, unload, park, board or alight at any time. Loading to businesses fronting Broad Street, that do not have alternative off-street provision, will be from loading facilities located on the side streets.
Further information about an exact date bus services will return is expected to be communicated later this month.
