Light Rail for better public transport
Light Rail News: Index 2016 > News Item
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Light Rail Transit Association
Light Rail for better public transport |
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Light Rail News: Index 2016 > News Item |
Trams have started running in public service into the heart of Birmingham City Centre at Grand Central (New Street station) from the start of service on Bank Holiday Monday 30th May 2016. There are now three new tram stops in Birmingham City Centre: Snow Hill, Corporation Street & Grand Central. A new timetable will start on Tuesday 31st May 2016 giving a six minute daytime service. Also introduced are improvements in ticketing including various forms of contactless payment.
Extension approvedThe Secretary of State for Transport has approved the Transport and Works Act order for the Centenary Square Extension.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said he disagreed with planning inspector's ruling, which was made following a planning inquiry held between 19 November 2014 and 19 January 2015, that the damage the extension would cause to the city's heritage assets would outweigh the scheme's transportation and economic benefits. He therefore decided to renew a 2005 order giving permission for compulsory acquisition of land between New Street Station and Centenary Square in order to construct an extension to Edgbaston.
In addition, the order authorises compulsory acquisition and purchase of land at Paradise Circus Queensway and near Centenary Square for variations to work being carried out at those sites. Centro, the body responsible for delivering the tram extension, has already taken steps to mitigate its impact on the city's architecture, including ordering the UK's first battery-powered trains in order to eliminate catenaries.
20 May 2016
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