Peter Plisner (Transport Matters)

The @WestMids_CA board meeting also heard about an review into how tram schemes in the region are designed, constructed and operated. A report talks of ‘difficult relationships’ between @midlandtram, which is building the Dudley route and @WMmetro which will operates the trams.

Earlier, @MayorWestMids, Richard Parker told the @WestMids_CA board that he was: “angry and frustrated” about what has happened and said the delay in opening the new tram route was “unacceptable”.

A statement from @TransportForWM said that "The testing and safety assurance programme is now nearing completion. Driver training will then begin. That allows time for route familiarisation, timetable testing and final operational preparations before passenger services begin."

The opening of the latest @WMmetro extension from Wednesbury to Dudley has been delayed again, this time into next year. The delay follows what @TransportForWM says was the discovery of a "safety-critical issue" during testing that's required additional engineering work.

More delays for the West Midlands Metro with rumours that the Wednesbury to Dudley extension might not open this year after all. However, the next section of the route to Merry Hill is going well and Transport Matters has been looking at a BIG tram viaduct youtube.com/watch?v=ZiP55bew…

Transport Matters gets an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at an impressive new tram viaduct taking shape in the Black Country, as part of the Wednesbury, Dudley and Merry Hill Metro extension. Click to view youtu.be/ZiP55bewSeY

Transport Matters explores how Avanti West Coast is transforming rail staff training with the installation of its latest immersive training technology at its Talent Training Academy in Crewe. Click to view youtube.com/watch?v=GjwF96t2…

Fancy spending the weekend in Liverpool? Watch the two films from there current available on Transport Matters Railway Secrets youtu.be/LrgUwZjDj7E Liverpool Overhead Railway youtu.be/YxfmxW78dqQ

Have you watch the latest Transport Matters video. All about some of Liverpool’s Railway Secrets youtu.be/LrgUwZjDj7E Enjoy!

Discover Liverpool’s hidden railway secrets as we explore the fascinating underground tunnels, forgotten railway relics and historic secrets buried beneath the city’s streets. Click the link to view youtu.be/LrgUwZjDj7E @networkrail @merseyrail

There are two new videos this weekend on Transport Matters. One about things made in the Midlands but used on transport in London and another on the conclusion of the SVR commuter trial. Have a watch. youtube.com/@transportmatter…

An 8 week commuter trial on the @svrofficialsite has come to an end. It took passengers from Bewdley to Kidderminster. But how was it received? Transport Matters was there for the last train. Click the link to view. youtu.be/kuUjmfmruoQ @WestMidRailway @WMRailExecutive

The Midlands has a long tradition of making things for transport in London @TfL. Can you guess what? Watch the latest film on Transport Matters @hesmith_ltd @Alstom @ChapmanSeating

Did you know that every bus driver in London sits on a seat made in the Midlands? It follows a long tradition of products made for London Transport, including everything from trains to tiles. To find out more click on the link youtu.be/_WEG2m6Aig4

Coventry Very Light Rail is progressing. And not just when it comes to running mini-trams! For more watch the Transport Matters film Cheap Trams youtu.be/iUAl8nD1j8Y

On Transport Matters this week we reveal the latest progress on the Coventry Very Light Rail project. Click on the link to view. youtu.be/iUAl8nD1j8Y @coventrycc @TransportForWM @ColasRailUK

Want to know more about the Christmas shutdown at Birmingham’s New Street station? Watch this film on Transport Matters youtu.be/Px6VbCvYgTw?is=moNf…

Why is Network Rail closing Birmingham's New Street Station over Christmas? Transport Matters finds out! Click the link: youtu.be/Px6VbCvYgTw

High speed trains to Birmingham might still be ten years away, but Transport Matters has already been walking on the Delta Junction in Warwickshire. Click on the link to view youtu.be/zMK3d40vpNk