Maine Stays Journal · Local guide
Wednesbury to Dudley tram: route, delays and the latest opening date
The Metro line from Wednesbury to Flood Street in Dudley is built and in testing. It missed its 28 August 2026 opening after signalling problems showed up in tests. In September 2026 Dudley Council's leader said he had been given 1 November 2026 for both the line and the new bus station.
The route
Phase one is a four-mile stretch. It leaves the Birmingham to Wolverhampton tram line at Wednesbury, runs along the bed of the old South Staffordshire railway through Tipton and then on-street into Dudley town centre, through the new bus station, to a terminus at Flood Street.
Dudley Council's route plan names Dudley Port as the stop for changing to national rail services and puts the Dudley town centre stop at the bus station.
Why it is late
When work began in 2020 the whole line to Brierley Hill was meant to open by the end of 2023. In July 2022 rising costs split it into two phases.
The Dudley section was then promised for summer 2024, autumn 2025 and the new year before a date of 28 August 2026 was set in January 2026. Trams first ran into Dudley town centre on a test run on 25 June 2026. The tests showed problems with signalling commissioning, which meant the August date could not be met.
Even with the track finished, passengers cannot ride until the tram crews have finished their training on the new line.
The timeline, year by year
February 2020: work starts on a line then due to reach Brierley Hill by the end of 2023. July 2022: the scheme is split into two phases, with Dudley first. July 2024: the Dudley opening slips to autumn 2025 and the Brierley Hill section is paused until more funding is found. July 2025: the combined authority says Dudley will open by the end of the year. October 2025: that becomes the new year. January 2026: 28 August 2026 is set. June 2026: that date is missed. September 2026: 1 November 2026 is given.
The new Dudley bus station
The new bus station, which includes a tram stop, has had its own run of delays. It was first due in 2025, then spring 2026 and then the autumn. In September 2026 Councillor Patrick Harley, the leader of Dudley Council, said he had been told the bus station and the tram line would both open on 1 November 2026, adding that he would not be holding his breath.
What comes next
Work is already under way on phase two, which continues from Dudley to Merry Hill and Brierley Hill. The Midland Metro Alliance says it will open to Merry Hill in 2028.
Getting about in the meantime
From our house, The Merry Hill Lounge in Brierley Hill, Dudley town centre is about 4 miles by road. Dudley Zoo and Castle and the Black Country Living Museum are both about 5 miles by road from the house. Cradley Heath station is under a mile away.
Where to stay: The Merry Hill Lounge
- Four bedrooms and a sofa bed, sleeping up to 10
- Two bathrooms, a full kitchen and a washer dryer
- Free off-road parking with room for vans as well as cars
- 500 Mb Wi-Fi and a private back garden
- Bills included, with up to 20% off stays of 28 nights or more
Sources
- Express & Star, 7 September 2026
- British Trams Online, 10 June 2026
- Black Country Radio, 25 January 2026
- Wikipedia: West Midlands Metro
- Dudley Council: Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension
- Midland Metro Alliance, 11 July 2025
Sources checked on 6 October 2026. Road distances are measured on OpenStreetMap from the house, The Merry Hill Lounge, on 6 October 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
When does the Dudley tram open?
The latest date given to Dudley Council's leader, in September 2026, is 1 November 2026, alongside the new bus station. Check Transport for West Midlands for confirmation.
Why was the Dudley tram delayed?
Costs rose and the scheme was split in two in 2022. In 2026 the final hold-up was signalling commissioning, which tests in June showed was not ready.
How far is Dudley from The Merry Hill Lounge?
Dudley town centre is about 4 miles by road from the house, The Merry Hill Lounge.
Your Black Country stay,
sorted.
The Merry Hill Lounge: a whole house in Brierley Hill for up to 10, with parking, fast Wi-Fi and every bill included.