Ruth Kelly, Labour’s Transport Secretary, has vowed to make an imminent announcement on the future of the Tyne and Wear Metro.
The Tyne and Wear Metro is a light rail system based in Tyne and Wear, which serves Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead and Sunderland. The system opened in 1980, although much of the Metro route was previously part of one of the world's first electric suburban railways, which started running as early as 1904. The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive (TWPTE), who trade under the snappier name Nexus, operate this service.
The Metro is an essential mode of transport for the 129,000 people throughout Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland who use the system every single day. However, if it is to continue serving the community, the light rail system is in need of some vital repairs.
MP for Tyne Bridge David Clelland raised the Metro’s problems at the House of Commons, telling them that the transport system was now more than 25 years old and that it was “beginning to creak and groan a bit.” He also noted “The Tyne and Wear Metro system saves some 15m short car journeys every year.”
Ruth Kelly responded positively to Clelland’s plea and admitted that the Metro “matters enormously to people in Tyne and Wear and the surrounding areas.” She then explained that she would be making an announcement about repairs to the transport system soon. She said, “The business case is with the Department, and I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly.”
Nexus has admitted that the Metro - the UK's largest light rail network after London’s Underground - is suffering from degradation and the government have been informed that it will need an investment of £500m over the next 20 years for vital repairs and improvements.
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