A state-of-the-art Operational Control Centre has opened at West Midlands Metro’s Wednesbury depot, marking another key milestone in the expansion of the popular tram network.
The high-tech facility is the new nerve centre for tram operations and fully integrated with the region’s wider transport network.
Bristling with the latest technology it can also make the most of recent upgrades to CCTV cameras at Metro stops and onboard the trams, taking safety and security to the next level.
The control centre comes ahead of the opening later this year of the new Metro extension between Wednesbury and Dudley town centre. Passenger services will start once safety testing on the line and driver training is completed.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “As we prepare to open the extension to Dudley town centre, this new world-class control room ensures we deliver a safer, more reliable and more efficient Metro network for the thousands of people who rely on our trams every day.
“Modernising the depot also means we are fully equipped to expand services when the next extensions to Digbeth, Merry Hill and the new Birmingham Sports Quarter site open in the coming years.”
The new centre, which is part of a wider redevelopment of the Wednesbury depot, includes a new data wall offering three times the coverage of the previous system, providing real-time visibility across the network and nearby roads, public spaces and connecting transport services.
It also incorporates heat mapping technology and video analytics to detect the build-up of customers, or any suspicious behaviour, enabling resources to be deployed quickly and more effectively.
Sophie Allison, Metro’s managing director, said: “As well as boosting our already highly effective security measures, the new control centre is essential to the safe and efficient running of a larger, more complex tram system.
“Operationally, it will help future-proof the network as it continues to grow with more routes and junctions, increased services and a greater number of passengers.
“The upgraded facility will also be welcomed by the OCC team thanks to its ergonomic design, dimmable lighting, air-conditioning and enhanced security and access control.”
A new track has also been installed at the depot to give direct access to the Wednesbury to Dudley route and provide greater resilience for tram services.
Other upgrades include a vastly expanded stabling area to accommodate the additional trams needed to run the additional routes currently under development, as well as improved facilities for drivers and staff.
The Metro depot expansion has been funded by Transport for West Midlands, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, with work carried out by Midland Metro Alliance.
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