Nexus, which owns, manages and is modernising Metro, has removed the first ticket machine from the Metro system in more than 30 years, paving the way for the state-of-the-art new machines to be installed.
Nexus plans to replace 225 Metro ticket machines during 2011. The new ticket machines will be capable of accepting coins, bank notes and credit and debit card payments – making life much easier for Metro users.
The current Metro ticket machines, which have been on the system since it opened in 1980, are being replaced as part of the £385m Metro: all change programme.
The project is the first phase of the Metro modernisation work. Nexus is spending £15m on ticket machines and on the installation of ticket barriers at 13 key stations, similar to those on the London Underground.
The first ticket machine to be removed was at Byker Metro station in Newcastle. Local Heaton Ward councillors Henri Murison and Christopher Bartlett were on hand to help out.
Over the coming months more and more of the ticket machines will be taken away so that engineers can install the necessary enabling works for the new machines. The new Metro ticket machines will be vastly different in appearance. They will have touch-screen technology and will be easier to use and will have greater functionality.
Director of Rail and Infrastructure for Nexus, Ken Mackay, said: “We have now seen the first ticket machine taken out. This will happen more and more across the Metro system as we press ahead with this exciting £15m project.
“The new ticket machines will be a major improvement. They will be able to accept bank notes and credit cards. This removes what has been a source of frustration for Metro passengers over the years.
“The installation of the new ticket machines will happen in phases. The first job is gradually taking away the old machines, which have served us well, but they are now 30 years-old and it’s high time they were replaced.”
The photo shows Heaton councillors Henri Murison and Christopher Bartlett helping to remove the first ticket machine at Byker Metro station.