House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tram Service Suspensions: West Midlands

Thursday 16 December 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

The Department for Transport has had several meetings with Midland Metro Ltd to discuss the suspension of tram services and its impact on the west midlands.
We have been monitoring the situation since Midland Metro Ltd first informed us in June.
MML reopened a reduced tram service after reviewing the condition of its trams.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Steve McCabe Lab

Transport

Context

Tram services in the west midlands were suspended due to cracks on vehicles, affecting local transport.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effect on transport in the west midlands of the suspension of tram services due to cracks on vehicles?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Department for Transport has had several meetings with Midland Metro Ltd to discuss the suspension of tram services and the impact that has had in the west midlands.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of transport effects was not provided, only mention of meetings held.

How: We Are Committed To

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Q2 Steve McCabe Lab

Transport

Context

A similar problem in Sydney with the same type of trams resulted in an 18-month suspension. The Commonwealth games are scheduled to begin on July 28, 2023.

Question

When a similar problem occurred in Sydney with the same type of trams built by CAF, the trams were off the tracks for 18 months. With the Commonwealth games due to start on July 28 next year, the west midlands needs full and efficient public transport service. Will the Minister monitor this issue closely and offer assistance to prevent adverse effects on the games?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

We have been monitoring the situation since Midland Metro Ltd first informed us in June. MML reopened a reduced service yesterday after reviewing the condition of its trams. We will continue to engage with them and ensure people can attend the Commonwealth games.