THE Stourbridge Shuttle has celebrated seven million passenger journeys since services began 14 years ago.

The Shuttle is the only operational example of Very Light Rail – a self-powered tram with a drivers’ cab at both ends – in the UK.

Operated by Pre Metro Operations – the service comprises two Class 139 railcars, designed and built by Parry People Movers Ltd, which operate at a maximum speed of 20mph and require two drivers at a time to ensure safety and provide customer service duties.

The Shuttle has become synonymous with Stourbridge and almost as famous as the branch line itself which at just 0.8 miles long is thought to be the shortest passenger transit route in Europe.

The line, which opened in 1879, has been carrying passengers for more than 143 years, and now the Shuttle itself has celebrated a major milestone.

The innovative light rail service has now notched up seven million passenger journeys since services began in 2009.

The light railcars were the brainchild of the late John Parry MBE, of Cradley Heath-based Parry People Movers.

Mr Parry passed away in February aged 85 but his legacy lives on in the Shuttle.

Halesowen News: Stourbridge Shuttle, left, and the late John Parry pictured in flashback pics, right. Top right - with Chris Green from the Railway Forum in 2007, and bottom right - with former Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho celebrating the 200th passenger in 2009Stourbridge Shuttle, left, and the late John Parry pictured in flashback pics, right. Top right - with Chris Green from the Railway Forum in 2007, and bottom right - with former Stourbridge MP Lynda Waltho celebrating the 200th passenger in 2009 (Image: Newsquest)

In 2005 the first prototype Parry People Mover was used for an experimental Sunday service to prove the viability of low-cost, light rail service provision on the branch.

After years of testing, the Parry People Mover ‘Class 139’ railcars became established as the Stourbridge Shuttle, operating full services on the branch line from 2009.

A spokesperson for Pre Metro said Mr Parry was “utterly committed to pursuing his vision of VLR and flywheel technology as the ideal mode for the Stourbridge Town Branch” and they added: “How right he was, as evidenced by our outstanding performance over the last 14 years.

“Although leaving Pre Metro in 2015, John's legacy remains as a thriving branch railway line which must surely act as the model for future developments.”