Trains boss backs tram (From Stourbridge News)

Trains boss backs tram

1:38pm Tuesday 23rd January 2007 in Local

TRAINS Minister Tom Harris took a ride on Stourbridge's revolutionary Parry People Mover to see the environmentally-friendly tram in action.

The Minister stopped off at Stourbridge Junction to talk to Parry People Mover chairman and inventor John Parry from Cradley Heath's JPM Parry Associates to discuss the future of the ground-breaking light rail service - which following a year-long Sunday service on the Stourbridge shuttle line has proved a huge success.

Its future now hangs in the balance while a decision is made on which company will take over the West Midlands franchise, which includes the short hop from Stourbridge Town to Stourbridge Junction.

John Parry said the Minister's visit had been a promising step forward and he hoped it would set his plans on track to start building more eco-friendly vehicles ahead of July's announcement on which train operator will take over the franchise.

He said: "I think his visit was a great success. He realised this was a significant transport mode and said he could now see opportunities that he couldn't see before."

Minister Tom Harris said after taking a short trip on the tram: "It's very impressive, it's very flexible, it's light on the rail network, which is important as far as maintenance costs are concerned.

"I am very optimistic all the bidders for the West Midlands franchise are taking the option of light rail very seriously."

The successful bidder for the West Midlands franchise will take to the tracks in the autumn.