West Midlands Metro Launches First Network Branch
Birmingham Metro adds first branch line with two stops serving Moor Street Station
West Midlands Metro Opens Millennium Point Branch
Birmingham tram riders can now reach Millennium Point and Moor Street Station on a new Metro branch that opened Easter Sunday. The West Midlands Metro launched passenger service on its Bull Street to Millennium Point extension April 5, marking the system's transformation from a single line into a branching network. The route adds two stops and connects roughly 400,000 weekly bus passengers at Moor Street interchange to the tram system.
First Branch in Metro Network
The Birmingham Eastside extension represents the first branch to split from the main West Midlands Metro line that runs between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Transport for West Midlands is delivering the project as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority's broader transit expansion strategy. The new stops serve Moor Street Station, Clayton Hotel, Birmingham City University campus, and Millennium Point, creating new connections in Birmingham's eastern district. Officials said the extension is the first stage of a larger Eastside development plan.
Service Details and Route Changes
Trams run every 15 minutes on the new Millennium Point branch, according to Transport for West Midlands. The opening introduced timetable changes, with some services between Bull Street and Grand Central rerouted to serve the new Albert Street and Millennium Point stops. The Albert Street stop provides direct tram access for bus passengers using the Moor Street interchange, one of Birmingham's busiest transit hubs. Officials said the route modifications aim to maximize connectivity between the expanding tram network and existing bus services.
Additional Branches Planned
A second Metro branch between Wednesbury and Dudley is planned to open later in 2026, Transport for West Midlands confirmed. That extension will add another split to the growing network. The Dudley extension is expected to open in 2028 as part of the Brierley Hill Lines project. Future plans also include connections to Digbeth, Birmingham Airport, and Solihull, though officials haven't announced timelines for those extensions.
Impact on Riders
The new branch gives Birmingham's east side residents and workers direct tram access to the city center and connections to Wolverhampton. Students at Birmingham City University and visitors to Millennium Point can now use the Metro instead of relying solely on buses. Riders using Moor Street Station for regional rail connections can transfer to trams at the new Albert Street stop. Moovit provides real-time departure information and route planning for the West Midlands Metro's expanding network.
