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Safety & Security on the Tram

We strive to provide the safest & most accessible travel possible

Safety always remains the top priority

West Midlands Metro, is the region’s expanding tram network, operated by Midland Metro Limited (MML) and we’re taking you places!

Safety always remains the top priority for both our customers and people who are travelling or walking alongside our tramway. That’s why we’ve developed detailed information to keep you safe at all times, and specific guidance for a range of users. It’s quite straight-forward to use our Metro service but please take a few minutes to have a look – that way we’ll be able to ensure everyone can stay safe and enjoy everything that travelling by Metro has to offer.

West Midlands Metro earns Safer Tram Stop Accreditation

Safer Tram Stop Accreditation

31 of our current 33 stops* on the network have been granted the esteemed Safer Tram Stop accreditation. This prestigious recognition is handed by Secured by Design, an official Police security initiative dedicated to ensuring safety in light rail systems throughout the United Kingdom.

These accreditations underscore the stringent safety and security measures implemented by Metro at all trams stops along the network, spanning from Wolverhampton to Birmingham.

*The recently opened extension at Piper’s Row and Wolverhampton Rail station has been constructed to adhere to the same critical safety and design standards as the existing stops. Currently, it is undergoing the same stringent approval process to obtain the Safer Tram Stop safety recognition. Midland Metro’s goal is that all Metro tram stops will be accredited with this safety recognition.

Our Traveller Guidance

Always keep a lookout

Distractions like mobile phones and headphones can put you at risk so, please, when you’re using the Metro stay alert and keep an eye on where you’re going.

Stand well back from the tram lines

Also remember to stay back from the platform’s edge when standing at a tram stop.

Use pedestrian crossing points

Always use pedestrian crossing points when going across the tracks. Observe tram signs and look both ways before crossing. Remember that, sometimes, one tram can hide another travelling in the opposite direction so take extra care.

Always observe traffic signals

Traffic signals and lane signs are placed around the network for your safety and you should always follow their directions.

Avoid using reserved seats

All of our trams have some seats which are reserved. Please ensure they’re free for the use of less able passengers. Buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters should be positioned carefully at designated points.

Help point buttons

At all our stops and on all our trams there are help point buttons for use in emergencies. They put you directly in touch with our staff who are there to provide support and advice should you need it. If at a tram stop, stay by the help point and our staff will be able to see you on CCTV.

Stay close to your children

When travelling on or around the tram network, keep hold of your young children. By following this advice no problems should arise but if you do become separated the important thing is not to panic. Press the help button and our driver on control room staff will help to reunite you again as quickly as possible.

Use tram doors safely

Please don’t try to board or alight from a tram when the door alarm sounds or the overhead lights are flashing. These alarms are there to tell you the doors are closing and, for your safety, you should stand clear of them.

Take your seat

When boarding a tram take your seat or hold on to a handrail as soon as possible. A notification is given when the tram is about to depart and not holding on may cause you to lose your balance. If you are standing, you should keep gripping a handrail during your journey to avoid a possible fall should the tram need to brake sharply.

Don't distract the driver

Please don’t distract the tram driver. If you need information or help on your journey then please ask the customer service representative on board or use the platform passenger assistance help points before you board.

Tips for Highway Users

Pedestrians crossing the street safely

Pedestrians

When travelling on or around the metro, keep hold of your young children. By following this advice no problems should arise but if you do become separated the important thing is not to panic. Press the help button and our driver on control room staff will help to reunite you again as quickly as possible.

The driver will sound the horn when necessary to warn of a tram’s approach. Also bear in mind that trams are wider than the tracks so stand well clear of them and keep small children close to you at all times.

Cyclist commuting to work

Cyclists

If you are a regular cyclist in the West Midlands, you may be aware of how to cycle along tram routes safely. But whether you are new to cycling – or an experienced cyclist around the tramway – there are some important things you’ll need to remember. Take care and stay clear of the rails. Avoid cycling on the rails as they can be slippery – especially when wet or icy. If crossing the tracks, always cross at a wide angle – preferably at 90 degrees – to stop your wheels from getting stuck in the rail grooves. Try to avoid sudden movements, such as braking or quickly changing your direction while crossing the tracks. Prepare to cross tracks well in advance and check behind early enough to ensure your manoeuvre is not rushed. Make other road users aware of your intentions, through appropriate hand signals. Please avoid cycling alongside the tracks where it is practical as a tram can’t go around you.

Special cycle paths
Where possible, cyclists can use designated cycle routes and crossing points while crossing the tracks.

Drivers

Please don’t obstruct the tramway – it sounds obvious but remember we are on fixed rails and can’t get around you. Wherever possible avoid driving directly on the tracks, particularly at speed, because they can become slippery, especially when wet. Please pay attention to highway regulations and remember that trams have different signalling systems to those of cars and other vehicles – even when we are using the same stretch of road.

Working near the Metro network

Working safely near the Metro

If you own, occupy a building or other assets near the tramway, please download this leaflet to give to anyone carrying out work on your behalf

Accessibility on West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro believes our tram services should be available for everyone to use.

We always strive to make our system as accessible as possible and we’ve put a number of improvements in place to try to help. Take a look at some of the points below and if there is something that isn’t covered and you’d like a query answering, do please contact our Customer Services team.

Layout of tram stop platforms

The platform edge is white and has tactile paving to identify the kerb. Special paving showing the wheelchair sign indicates the appropriate place for wheelchair users to wait so that they are near the wheelchair spaces when they get on the tram. All stops are well lit and are monitored by closed circuit television (CCTV). There are direct links via a help point intercom with the control room.
Visually impaired customers that require assistance with using either the stop equipment or the tram should contact our Customer Services team on 0345 835 8181, or email us.

Onboard the tram

Trams are designed with safety and security to the fore. There are direct links via a help point intercom with the control room. CCTV is also being introduced onboard vehicles where a help point on board connects passengers to the driver. Conductors operate on each tram.

Tram stops

All of our platforms are laid out in the same way. They are well lit and monitored by closed circuit television (CCTV), with direct links via a help point intercom with the control room.

Electronic signs & audible announcements

Electronic signs and audible announcements show the next stop and final destination.

Priority seating

Priority seating for elderly and disabled passengers is clearly marked. If you are using a priority seat and are asked to give up your seat by another customer who is less able to stand, your assistance would be appreciated.

Blue badge parking

We have designated blue badge parking at all our Park & Ride sites with easy access to the tram stop.

Dedicated wheelchair spaces

There are two dedicated spaces on every tram which have a help button and a stop request button at an appropriate height. This is signposted in Braille. There is also ample and comfortable room for guide dogs.

100% low floor

There is easy access and level boarding and spaces for two wheelchairs on every tram to ensure full access for people with mobility difficulties as well as those with pushchairs, buggies and luggage.

Mobility scooters

Customers are able to travel with a mobility scooter on tram services. To ensure the safe operation of mobility scooters, a permit scheme is in place. Please note that there are only two disabled priority bays per tram. Carriage of a mobility scooter is at the discretion of West Midlands Metro staff.

Do I qualify?
Your scooter must meet the following criteria:
Class 2 Mobility Scooter
Maximum 600mm Wide
Maximum 1,000mm Long
Maximum 1,200mm Turning radius

How does it work?
Once you have provided us your details & Scooter model number we will process your application to ensure that your Scooter model is suitable for use on the tram.
If the scooter is suitable we will send you a permit that allows you to use your scooter on the tram. The permit will take the form of a pass that should be presented to the Conductor on board your Tram. The permit will contain basic information about your scooter.

Plan your Journey

Use our dedicated journey planner to see our timetable and help plan your next journey on the tram.

Start Planning

Permit to Work

If you plan to be working on or around our system, you will require authorisation and a permit to work.

Read More

Contact Us

We value our customers’ opinions and would love to hear about your recent tram journey with Metro.

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Midland Metro Limited (trading as West Midlands Metro). Registered in England and Wales | company number 10932342 | Registered office: 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD

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