Rush Hour Commute Thrown into Chaos by Tram Failure
A major disruption unfolded on the Midland Metro network during the evening rush hour on Thursday, 27 November 2025, after a tram broke down, leaving passengers stranded and causing widespread travel chaos. The incident, which occurred at Kenrick Park in West Bromwich, led to the complete suspension of services on a key section of the line.
Service Suspension and Alternative Travel Arrangements
There is currently no service operating between West Bromwich Central and Handsworth Booth Street. In response to the breakdown, transport authorities have implemented contingency plans. Passengers holding tram tickets are being advised that they can use them on National Express West Midlands buses at no extra cost.
Additionally, a dedicated shuttle service has been established to run between Handsworth Booth Street and Edgbaston Village to help mitigate the impact on commuters. Trams are still running on the unaffected parts of the network, specifically between Wolverhampton and West Bromwich Central.
Frustration for Commuters and Football Fans
The timing of the breakdown could not have been worse, causing a chaotic commute for hundreds of travellers. The situation was particularly fraught for Aston Villa fans desperately trying to reach Villa Park for a 5.45pm kick-off against Young Boys.
At the time of the incident, three trams full of frustrated passengers were reported to be waiting at Handsworth Booth Street, unable to proceed. Engineers were dispatched to the scene to assess the faulty tram, but no estimated time has been given for when normal service will resume.
West Midlands Metro (WMM) issued an apology for the inconvenience caused. The breakdown serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public transport networks during peak travel times and the significant knock-on effects a single failure can create across a city's transport system.
