Midland Metro expansion, UK.

The Midland Metro light rail system began running between Wolverhampton and Birmingham in 1999. Despite initial problems of reliability, it now has a stable patronage of around 5 million passenger journeys per year and is one of the most reliable transport services in the West Midlands. Centro, as owner of Midland Metro, has long been keen to expand the system and has battled to obtain funding. Over the last 3 years, the company has made significant progress towards delivery of the line's expansion, including a major structure required to put trams back onto the streets of Birmingham, finalising a funding package and placing the order for a new tram fleet. This paper examines Centro's successful approach to obtaining the necessary funding for the Metro expansion and the benefits it will deliver for the West Midlands; how the company is ensuring - through its procurement strategy, programme management approach and risk management - that the scheme is cost effective; and the longer term strategy for growth of the system that will result from delivery of this first phase of expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]