TRAM NETWORK REBUILT ON RAILWAY NETWORK ALONG WITH BUILDINGS AND ROADS

Thanks, Don.  It certainly wasn't very clear but the first-ever conversion of a mothballed mainline railway, already built but only half-used, to tramline, VLR test track and extended cycle-walkway is going full speed ahead into the iceberg!

Here is my complete, essential, slimmed-down history of transport; all you need to know:

TRAM NETWORK REBUILT ON RAILWAY NETWORK ALONG WITH BUILDINGS AND ROADS - and now a test track and possible cycle-walkway!

1950s:  saw the complete obliteration of the W Midlands tram network.

1960s:  saw the closure of about one-third of our urban railway network and the demolition of the high vaulted roofed New Street Station.  It was put underground to bring even worse air pollution.

1970s:  the demolition and rebuilding to half its former size of Snow Hill Station.  Only four platforms left; later only three in use, as is the case now.

1980s: the decision was made not to stop running homes, shops, offices and roads down the closed railway lines but to turn them into a tram network of 200 Kms and 15 lines by the year 2000.

1990s:  the money was found to convert the second Brum to Wolverhampton Railway into part tramline and the remainder obliterated under concrete, brick and tarmac.  Wolverhampton's second mainline station closed for good.

2000s:  That station converted into a conference and events centre with the double-track railway line turned into a garden and roads.

2010s:  Buses pushed out to the edge of Brum shopping centre to make way for the grossly extravagant, prestigious tram as it makes its stately glide past the empty shops to 'Grand Central Shopping Centre And Diesel Perfumed Underground Railway Station Tagged Along As An Afterthought In The Basement Of The Closed John Lewis Store'

2020s:  Solemn declaration, to me by 1990s Dudley Council Leader, Fred Hunt that Dudley's mainline railway converted to tramline would be open by the year 2000, saw work begin - only after 20 years when it should have been opened!! 

2030 or 40s:  Is finally finished as the world's first, unique TRAIN-TRAM-TRAIN MAINLINE RAILWAY between Worcester, Black Country and Derby??