WEST Midlands Metro (WMM) services were suspended for four days in June, following the discovery of cracks on the underframe structure during maintenance inspections on its 'Urbas 3' trams.
The 21 CAF-built trams, which make-up the system's entire operational fleet, were withdrawn for checks on June 11. WMM said the manufacturer had been unable to assure that the cracks did not represent a safety issue if they continued to operate.
Sufficient trams had passed inspections to resume operation of a 10 minute service between
Wolverhampton St Georges and Bull Street from June 15. WMM added that repairs to the remainder, on which the fault had been found, were already underway. It intends to increase services as more trams are confirmed as safe to operate.