New name for Metro stop to avoid confusion

THE name of a stop on Birmingham’s city centre tram line is to change because of complaints from confused passengers.

The Snow Hill stop on the Midland Metro will become St Chad’s from January in order to distinguish it from the railway station of the same name.

Transport for West Midlands said having the same name was causing confusion for people who incorrectly thought they could access the train station directly once alighting the tram there. Midland Metro’s service between Wolverhampton and Birmingham previously terminated at Snow Hill but an extension to New Street station opened in May.

A spokesman for Transport for West Midlands said: “As part of planned improvements at Snow Hill rail and Midland Metro interchange, it is proposed to rename the current metro stop Snow Hill to St Chad’s from January 2017.

“At present, the name Snow Hill is misleading some passengers who anticipate they can access the railway station from the metro stop. This has led to a number of complaints. As part of the changes, Bull Street stop, which provides level access to Snow Hill and has an aesthetically attractive walking route, will be the primary metro stop promoted as the interchange for Snow Hill rail station.

“The renamed St Chad’s will remain an alternative interchange and will be signed accordingly.”