00:00Birmingham's metro network has just taken a significant step.
00:06Trams are now running test services on a brand new section linking the city centre to Albert Street and Millennium Point.
00:13It's the first expansion into this part of the city with long term plans to connect directly to HS2 and push further into Digberth.
00:21Supporters say it's about modernising transport and driving regeneration.
00:25Critics question whether it serves the routes people actually want.
00:29So we've been finding out where locals think the tram should go next and whether they use it at all.
00:35Well I live in Quinton and originally when I moved there about 30 years ago there was a possibility that it would extend up there.
00:45And as far as I know it doesn't so it would be really good to go to Quinton and Hales Owen.
00:51Edgbaston Creeky Ground without doubt because it's hard to get from town to Edgbaston Creeky Ground without getting stuck in massive traffic or spending money that doesn't make any sense.
01:07At least a long walk.
01:08I don't think the tram network is too bad as it is to be honest. I think it goes to a lot of the main places.
01:13Jewelry Quarter, Edgbaston, maybe a few of the outer city retail centres, Star City, Birmingham Fort possibly improve the connectivity with those.
01:23The Metro's backers say the East Side Link is just one piece in a bigger puzzle.
01:29An integrated network pulling together trams, trains and buses.
01:32The goal is to make carefree travel across the West Midlands quicker and more reliable.
01:37But that's the theory. In practice the route choices matter.
01:41If trams don't go where people actually need them they risk running empty.
01:45And even in the city centre not everyone sees them as part of daily life.
01:50So we've been asking if people use the Metro now and if not what would make them start?
01:56Well I did used to use the tram. I thought it was really unreliable to be honest.
02:00It was always late and then I learnt to drive so I don't have to use it anymore.
02:05I do use it if I go to other areas say for example West Bromwich or somewhere like that into Birmingham.
02:11But mostly I have to use the bus or drive or use the train but I have to drive to the train station.
02:20I'm still waiting for the tram to be connected from Dudley because I catch the X8 here.
02:30And if the one in Dudley was connected it would be a shorter bus ride and then I would use the trams.
02:38Because they're quicker, cleaner, brighter and I think they're much better travel than the buses.
02:46I commute in from Wolverhampton so I tend to get the train.
02:50But any time I'm forced into getting the tram it's always pretty good.
02:53I think we just kind of forget that it's there as much as anything.
02:55And everyone's just drawn toward New Street. I'm not really sure why.
02:58I'm not really sure why.
02:59I'm not really sure why.
03:01I'm not really sure why.
