James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive, North East Chamber of Commerce
“The creation of Metro ranks as one of the most important and influential developments in the modern history of Tyne and Wear. Its 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.” Prof. Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor Northumbria University
“Almost 10,000 students and staff at Northumbria University use Metro to travel to our campuses in Newcastle. Put simply, it’s a crucial network and, without it, the impact on our roads would be almost unthinkable. We are keen that those travelling to the University use public transport whenever possible.” Tim Lamb, General Manager, Eldon Square Shopping Centre
“Eldon Square Shopping Centre relies heavily upon public transport to bring customers to its malls. Over 70% of Eldon Square's customers access the centre via public transport, a phenomenal number and crucially important to the success of the centre now and in the future. “Metro is without parallel in the UK and provides a safe, reliable and costs effective means of travel across the region including, Newcastle City Centre and Eldon Square. “We at Eldon Square fully appreciate and applaud Nexus' efforts in providing this system and look forward to the forthcoming improvements across the system and to the benefits this will bring.” David Walker, Chief Executive Sunderland arc (area regeneration company):
"Good transport links are integral to our regeneration plans for Sunderland and Metro plays a vital role in this programme. The close proximity of a Metro station is a key selling point to both investors and occupants alike and further improvements to Metro will only help to strengthen its impact on the region in the future." Guy Marsden, Director of Highbridge – developers, Cobalt Business Park.
“Metro plays a key role in encouraging and attracting new businesses and employees to Cobalt. On completion there will be more than 20,000 employed at Cobalt, making it the largest business park in the country, with leading companies including GE Money, Orange, EDS and Procter & Gamble. “It is vital to Cobalt and the economy of the North East to have excellent transport links – Metro provides a value for money, frequent and efficient service which is a great asset to Cobalt and the region as a whole. Highbridge has worked closely with Nexus to support a transport infrastructure that provides public transport access to the employment opportunities at Cobalt from the entire Tyne and Wear area.” Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive at NewcastleGateshead Initiative
“The Metro is a real asset to us as visitor destination. Readers of leading lifestyle magazine Condè Nast Traveller voted NewcastleGateshead the easiest UK destination to get around in recent years which is a real testament to the user-friendly and efficient system connecting our key attractions, stunning coast and surrounding areas. In fact Metro also provides the shortest journey time between airport and city centre of any city in the UK, which is a huge benefit for both local people, city break visitors and business travelers alike.”
|
