End of the line for original Metro trams
The original Midland Metro trams are nearing their final destination.
The final T69 tram that came into service in 1999 is being retired from service on Friday, as bosses move entirely to the new Spanish-built fleet.
Tram 16, which sports the original purple, red and yellow paint, will travel the 23-stop route from Wolverhampton St George's at 11.10 am, travelling to Birmingham Snow Hill before being commandeered by staff and taken to Wednesbury where it will be decommissioned.
The tram, named after Metro engineer Gerwyn John, was built in Italy by Ansaldo Breda, is the last one still in operation from the 16-strong fleet that went into service on the Midland Metro line between Snow Hill and Wolverhampton in 1999.
The old fleet has been gradually replaced over recent months as more of the 20 new Urbos 3 trams have arrived from Spanish manufacturer CAF.
It is a poignant moment for former Wolverhampton mayor Phil Bateman, who was instrumental in getting the Midland Metro brought to the Black Country in the first place.
He was serving as chairman of the passenger transport committee on the long-since-abolished West Midlands County Council in 1981 when the idea was put to the vote.
"That was when we said we saw the benefits of light rail and wanted a service for Birmingham and the Black Country.
"But it was another 18 years before we got it and it was opened.
