The Westside Metro extension now open to Centenary Square and some trams with reindeer names

With no announcement, the Westside Metro extension to Centenary Square was open to the public on Wednesday 11th December 2019. I wasn't able to get down to ride the newly opened extension until Saturday 14th December 2019. For the Christmas season, West Midlands Metro has name some of their trams with Christmas reindeer names such as Rudolph, Comet and Dasher.

Tram 22 Dasher

Sunday 8th December 2019, and on this day we did not know when the extension to Centenary Square would open. I walked along Arena Central, passing HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square and the Municipal Bank redevelopment. Fencing was still up, while a rainbow was behind the Library of Birmingham and the Birmingham Big Wheel.

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 22 Dasher Bham Library Tram Stop Cent Sq (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Before services started, from the 1st December 2019 onwards, trams were leaving Grand Central and heading to Library Tram Stop without passengers. Close up of tram 22 Dasher

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 22 Dasher Bham Library Tram Stop Cent Sq (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Dasher name is temporary. Will probably be removed in January 2020.

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 22 Dasher Bham Library Tram Stop Cent Sq (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The end of the line (for now) was looking like a mess. The extension to Hagley Road will open in 2 years time in 2021, only they have to build it first along Broad Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 22" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM tram 22 Dasher Bham Library Tram Stop Cent Sq (Dec 2019) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 36 Rudolph

On Saturday 14th December 2019, it was my first day back in Birmingham City Centre for several days. And when I got to Birmingham New Street Station, I purchased an Adult off peak day ticket in the My Metro app. And rode tram 36 from Grand Central to the newly opened Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For the Christmas period tram 36 is called Rudolph. Seen behind was the Library of Birmingham, Star Flyer and Birmingham Big Wheel.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Zoom in of the temporary Rudolph name.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The trams for now can use both platforms, and there is crossing tracks just in front of the tram stop. Beyond here is hoardings as they still need to build the second Westside extension which will take another two years to complete. Reflection of HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square in the Hyatt Regency Birmingham hotel.

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 36 seem heading back to Wolverhampton, as I made the short walk into the Library of Birmingham for views of the trams from above. Not too long to wait this time around as only every 6 minutes Monday's to Saturday's (every 15 minutes on Sunday's but the Library is closed on that day).

dndimg alt="Tram 36" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 36 Rudolph Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 25

First up views from the Discovery Terrace at the Library of Birmingham. Tram 25 seen at platform 2 at Library Tram Stop. The Birmingham Big Wheel was in the way of this view.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the trams with lime green OLA adverts. It now has batteries on top. But currently in white not yet blue outside.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

No temporary reindeer name on this tram.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 25 is now seen leaving platform 2 at Library Tram Stop on it's way to Wolverhampton. It is passing the Municipal Bank site for the University of Birmingham. On the right is 5 Centenary Square (formerly 1 Arena Central). But that hasn't started yet. Was the site of the Register Office. The tram shelter on platform 1 is close to the site of where the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue was from 1956 to 2017.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (4) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 25 seen heading round Paradise Circus. Cones on the road. Only the southbound lanes are open at the moment.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (5) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A taxi waits at the traffic light as tram 25 heads to Paradise Street and Town Hall Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Tram 25" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 25 leaving Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (6) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 23 Comet

Last saw this tram here on a test in November 2019. I headed up to the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham when I saw this tram again. In this view heading up Paradise Street towards Paradise Circus.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading around Paradise Circus. Easy Row Subway below is still closed to pedestrians, but the bridge has been reinforced and rebuilt before they even laid tracks here.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Coming into Centenary Square, in what until a few years ago was part of Broad Street.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Crossing tracks and heading to platform 2 at Library Tram Stop. Behind is HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square. They have also built new roads which in future will be used by buses.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As it headed into the tram stop, passing the Municipal Bank, some scaffolding on the left appears to have been removed.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Pavements on both sides of the road are now free of temporary barriers. Apart from in front of 1 Centenary Square and the Municipal Bank to the left.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Had to wait for some passengers to get off before I could get this zoom in of th Comet name.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Doors open, passengers heading into Centenary Square. They have also installed new bus stops.

dndimg alt="Tram 23" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Comet to Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 30

It was getting dark as early as between 3pm and 3:30pm and it was time to get my next tram towards Jewellery Quarter. Tram 30 seen coming from Paradise Circus into Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was about to cross tracks and head towards platform 2. Behind is a new view of Two Chamberlain Square and the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 30 now at platform 2 at Library Tram Stop. On the right is the Arena Central development with HSBC UK at 1 Centenary Square and 3 Arena Central (for HMRC I think).

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Between Library and Grand Central the tram was nice and quiet. One of the monitors on board showing Library Centenary Square.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from my seat. The tram was about to depart. After Grand Central the tram got quite full, of Christmas shoppers etc, and I got off at Jewellery Quarter to check out the Banksy and see what all the fuss was about.

dndimg alt="Tram 30" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 Library Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Jewellery Quarter

After riding the tram all the way from Library Tram Stop I got off the busy tram 30 at Jewellery Quarter Tram Stop. On the opposite platform was tram 34.

dndimg alt="Tram 30 and 34" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 30 and 34 at JQ Tram Stop (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

St Paul's

After checking out the Banksy on Vyse Street, I walked down Great Hampton Street and Constitution Hill. I saw the bridge down on Livery Street to popped there first which is actually on Northwood Street. Tram 28 was leaving St Chad's Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Birmingham Snow Hill Station behind, tram 28 Jasper Carrott slowly head's to St Paul's from St Chad's, while West Midlands Railway 172 342 heads towards Jewellery Quarter after leaving platform 1.

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A Chiltern Railways Class 168 was in it's usual spot at platform 2, as the tortoise vs hare race was clearly being won by West Midlands Railway!

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Tram 28 about to arrive at St Paul's Tram Stop as the train headed into the Jewellery Quarter tunnels towards Jewellery Quarter Station. A Matter of Opinion on the right as well as a train not in service.

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Jasper Carrot tram 28 coming to a stop to pick up passengers towards Wolverhampton. It was time to walk down to St Paul's Tram Stop with the entrance to the left on Constitution Hill.

dndimg alt="St Paul's" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 28 JC St Pauls (Dec 2019) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I only just got to the tram stop when I saw the tram arriving. Tram 32 is one of those lime green OLA advert trams now with batteries. Seen coming through the Jewellery Quarter tunnels.

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 St Pauls Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I got tram 32 towards Bull Street. Standing room only. All stops after this one on the extensions. St Paul's is the last tram stop to open in 1999 that is closest to the City Centre after the original Snow Hill Tram Stop closed in 2015.

dndimg alt="Tram 32" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 St Pauls Tram Stop (Dec 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bull Street

Standing room only on tram 32, I got off at Bull Street Tram Stop instead of Corporation Street. Although both are in walking distance of my usual bus stop on Carrs Lane. The Lewis Building to the right.

dndimg alt="Bull Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 Bull St (Dec 2019) (1) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

As Tram 32 was about to turn onto Corporation Street, I saw tram 17 about to turn onto Bull Street. It was getting dark now, so was time to head to my bus home.

dndimg alt="Bull Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 32 Bull St (Dec 2019) (2) .jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

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