 Nexus has secured more than £300 million commitment from Government to invest in the next phase of renewal and modernisation for the Tyne and Wear Metro. The announcement today by Rosie Winterton, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, to support Phase 2 of Metro Re-invigoration is by far the biggest financial deal for Metro since it opened in 1980. In addition to investing in modernisation projects costing approximately £350 million over the next 10 years the Government has made an equally significant commitment to underwrite the operating costs of Metro up to 2019. The announcement has been welcomed by Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, business and community leaders in North East England as a vital boost to the region’s transport network. Metro carries more than 40 million passengers every year and has stations in walking distance of one in four homes in Tyne and Wear. Without it there would be 15 million more car journeys in the region while 10,000 fewer people would travel into Newcastle City Centre as congestion and journey times rose. Cllr David Wood, Chairman of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, said: “Winning funding for Metro Re-invigoration Phase 2 is an historic achievement. “When Metro was built in the late 70s it transformed life in Tyne and Wear and gave us a transport network that was the envy of Britain and the world. “Today’s commitment by the Government is no less important than that and means Metro is secure for years to come, providing the region with much needed quality transport and jobs.” Bernard Garner, Director General of Nexus, said: “Our 40 million passengers are already seeing Metro Re-invigoration Phase 1 take shape around them at stations like Haymarket, Sunderland and Simonside. “The deal we have won from Government today will take modernisation to a whole new level, refurbishing stations and trains and making sure we have the technology in place to deliver one of the best railway networks in the UK. “Re-invigoration is crucial because Metro gets people into and around the city easily to work, study and spend their leisure time. It provides the backbone of our public transport system and makes a massive contribution to the economic, social and environmental well being of the region. “Now we have secured the future of Metro we want to use it to provide the springboard from which further ambitious, high quality transport plans can be developed and taken forward - improving connections with bus and extending park-and-ride to reflect modern lifestyles.” James Rambotham, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “Metro’s role has never been more important than in the present day when our thoughts are dominated by transport and connectivity. Metro connects both communities and conurbations and is a key driver of the regional economy. “The future of the North East and its economic growth is dependent on our ability to create a joined up, practical, region-wide comprehensive public transport system, at the heart of which will undoubtedly be Metro.” More details of Nexus’ plans for Metro are contained in the attached question and answer sheet and timeline. You will also find testimonials from leading business and community figures and our passengers. Metro, opened in 1980, comprises 60 stations across Tyne and Wear and carries more than 40 million passengers a year – with passenger numbers rising by more than four million in the last three years. Metro operates more than 450 trains every weekday and boasts among the best performance figures of any UK rail operator, with punctuality last year 95.57% and reliability 99.65%. Nexus’s Metro Re-Invigoration plans are split into three phases covering the next 20 years and represent a detailed business and asset renewal plan to secure the system’s future and modernise it to meet future passenger expectations. Phase 1, already underway, comprises more than £50 million investment, including: new ticket machines and barriers; a new station at Simonside (opened March 2008), rebuilding of Haymarket and refurbishment of Sunderland stations, and the overhaul of some bridges and tunnels. Phase 2 will start in April 2010 and last nine years. It will include the modernisation of stations right across Metro, new communications system to manage train movements, modernisation of overhead power lines, plus other infrastructure and technology, the overhaul of scores of bridges and tunnels up to 160 years old, and the complete refurbishment of the 90 Metrocars that make up the train fleet. Phase 3 will start in 2019 following further negotiations with Government. It will see up to a further £300 million invested, principally in a new fleet of Metrocars and a new signalling system to manage them. There will be further investment in ticket machines, track, overhead lines, structures and stations. In the picture - left to right: Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Minister of State for Transport; Rt Hon Nick Brown MP, Minister for the North East of England; Bernard Garner, Director General, Nexus. More details here: Metro Re-invigoration: your questions answered.
Why Metro matters - by the people who use it.
Why Metro matters - by business and community leaders.
Metro Re-invigoration: timeline.
Metro Re-invigoration: how the money will be spent.
Metro history.
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