I don't think they'd build an extension to the metro. Its only been about 3 years since the £200m link to sunderland was built, imagine if Newcastle got more cities like Leeds, Manc and Brum would be up in arms.

The system has 58 stations, 700 staff and 37 million passengers each year and at 25 years old it needs money which Mr Darling has to provide. However, i think its will be gettin new ticket machines next year and barriers similar to London Underground. Then theres the new trains from Bombardier in a few years time.

I don't think they'd build an extension to the metro. Its only been about 3 years since the £200m link to sunderland was built, imagine if Newcastle got more cities like Leeds, Manc and Brum would be up in arms.

The system has 58 stations, 700 staff and 37 million passengers each year and at 25 years old it needs money which Mr Darling has to provide. However, i think its will be gettin new ticket machines next year and barriers similar to London Underground. Then theres the new trains from Bombardier in a few years time.


The new trains and the barriers will be good but I'd love it if they built the following extensions:

1. Replace the local services between Durham and Newcastle with stops at
Chester-le-Street, Birtley and both ends of the Team valley with fill-in stations to be added later - it's unbeleivable that the biggest employment area in the area (Team Valley) has a railway running past it but no station! The line would split after the current Gateshead Central stop with a new tunnel branching Westwards to join up with the ECML.

2. Taking over or complementing the services to the Metro Centre from Central station, maybe on the Blaydon and onto Hexham

3. Running trains from the new Northumberland park station to Ashington and Blyth on the currently freight only line which is still linked into the Metro system.

1. would be very expensive, but bring massive benefits
2. Would be purely buying a few trains, painting massive "M"s on the side, increasing the frequency (have you ever waited for a train at the Metro centre!) and advertising the service - selling through tickets etc
3. Would require five or six deisel trains to be bought, the obligatory Ms applied, some signalling upgrades and the stations to be put back in where they have been demolished.

The two "cheaper" options would not need any electrification because the customers wouldn't mind that it was a diesel train rather than electric as long as it got them there on time!

Forgot to add - if those three were put in place for about 1 mile of new track the number of people able to use the Metro would go up by a factor of 2 or 3!

I thought i'd create a thread for the Metro.

All news developments should be posted in here, as should all discussion of the merits and faults of the network. we can also use this thread to map out ideas about expansion of the Metro and its future. This thread can also be used to discuss other local transport modes such as buses.

To get us going, pics of the New station at Northumberland Park:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/NorthumberlandPark1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/NorthumberlandPark2.jpg

some info on the station:

hursday 25 May 2006
Northumberland Park Metro

Britain’s fastest growing bus route in 2005 was Route 19, connecting the new Northumberland Park Metro station with Silverlink and Cobalt business parks, the Royal Quays residential and shopping area and North Shields ferry terminal.

Route 19 bus services are timetabled to connect with Metro, making changing between the two quick and convenient.

The bus uses its own dedicated road for part of the journey, and innovations include real time information systems in major office complexes along the route.

Northumberland Park, Metro’s 59th station, opened in December 2005 and is expected to become one of the busiest stations outside city centres.

It serves the heart of a new suburb of North Tyneside, with 1,500 homes within 800 metres.

A new village centre shopping area and 400 space Park and Ride car park are being developed alongside the station, to reflect modern commuter lifestyles.

Thanks for doing this Johnny.

More news on the future:

A new infill station at Simonside has been planned for many years, and is scheduled to open in 2007.

Further plans call for Haymarket station in Newcastle city centre to be renovated as part of an overall improvement of the site; it will include leisure and retail facilities. (There are some pictures of this somewhere)

As of 2005, there has been discussion of a public-private partnership to raise the funds necessary to modernize the Metro system.

Here are some more

Haymarket Metro station redevelopment:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/haymarket2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/haymarket.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/haymarket3.jpg

What it currently looks like (originally posted by St. Anger):
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/4655/dsc079717df.jpg


The recently completed rebuild of Pelaw Metro station (originally posted by Talisker):
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/pelaw4.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/pelaw9.jpg

Four Lane Ends bus and and Metro interchange:
http://www.btbell.co.uk/images/P2030013web.JPG http://www.billington-structures.co.uk/picstore/1200plus/concorse_a.jpg

http://mic-ro.com/metro/400/newcastle-four-lane-ends-400.jpg http://www.publicartonline.org.uk/archive/casestudies/nexus/images/01.jpg

http://www.timmonet3.freeuk.com/fle/images/FLE_Station_Entrance_LS.jpg

(all pics were googled)

^^ Definately looks like one of the better ones

Best system in the UK outside London :)

Project Orpheus proposals, currently mothballed due to Labour's "value for money" nonsense.

http://www.projectorpheus.com/docs/OrpheusMapCurrent.pdf

I have just returned from Rome. Beautiful city, but their Metro System really made me appreciate ours. The trains were SOOOO packed, and some pick-pocket tried to rob my dad (they weren't succesfull though)

They had 2 different types of metro trains, the new ones which were nice, and old ones that were covered in graffiti.

I hope Tyne and Wear gets some new trains soon for the metro, we could do with them IMO.

I know this all is all pretty common knowledge but I have it on very good authority that it does have to be replaced within the next 5 to 10 years as the current system is exhausted especially the cars

Study to look at case for Leamside rail reopening
Filed 05/12/06

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority is to commission a study into reopening the disused Leamside railway line to passengers.

At a meeting of the PTA, councillors responded to Network Rail’s proposals to remove the remaining track and associated infrastructure along the route of the Leamside line between Tursdale and Ferryhill, an issue raised by the PTA at its previous meeting, held in September. While acknowledging that reopening the route would not be achieved in the short-term, PTA members said the timeframes associated with transport and infrastructure planning dictate that provision must be made now for the transport needs of future decades.

According to the PTA, the Leamside corridor would allow improved intra-regional connectivity between the Teesside and Tyne and Wear city regions by the introduction of express train services calling at Middlesbrough, Thornaby, Durham (Belmont), Washington, Gateshead and Newcastle; local rail services connecting Fence Houses, Washington and possibly other locations with direct links into Newcastle; capacity for rail freight flows from developments at Nissan, the Port of Tyne and long distance flows of imported coal from Scotland; the possibility of Inter City services to and from Newcastle travelling over the route, and the potential for substantial park and ride facilities to reduce traffic levels into Tyneside from the south.

The study will be commissioned during the PTA's current financial year.

http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=3590

reopening this stretch of line gives rise to the possibility of integrating the leamside line into the Metro system, was 7 stations on the old piece of track and so that would create a loop of sorts from south Hylton to Pelaw via Washington.

I know this all is all pretty common knowledge but I have it on very good authority that it does have to be replaced within the next 5 to 10 years as the current system is exhausted especially the cars

Nexus readies £0.5bn bid to overhaul Metro
Filed 01/11/06

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive Nexus has appointed Mick Carbro as metro director as it seeks to finalise a bid for major capital investment in the Tyne and Wear Metro system.

The appointment is designed to allow further development of Nexus’s Metro re-invigoration programme – a £500m, 20-year overhaul of the local authority-owned light rail system.

Meanwhile, Ken Mackay, who has been director of Metro on the Nexus board, has been given the new job title Nexus director of rail and infrastructure. He will now step back from the day to day management of Metro to become the client manager for the procurement of all rail based services, including Metro and heavy rail. He will also be responsible for Nexus capital projects and continue to serve on the Nexus board.

Carbro, previously Metro operations director, will take overall charge of Metro for day-to-day purposes and answer to the Nexus board on service delivery. He will not be a member of the Nexus board.

Bernard Garner, director general of Nexus, said: “In supporting the principle of Metro re-invigoration, government will require that Metro services are procured as efficiently as possible, provide value for money and represent an acceptable risk to the tax payer.

“This change in roles will allow us to ensure we have sufficient resource available in the right place to drive the project forward and at the same time to make sure that Metro is managed in such a way as to position itself in the best possible position to respond to the challenges that lie ahead for it."

Nexus intends to submit a detailed procurement strategy to goverment early next year setting out how it intends to fund the Metro overhaul. The £500m programme will include the commissioning of a new fleet of Metro rolling stock to replace the existing fleet of 90 vehicles, new signalling, communications and ticketing systems, dualling of the last stretch of single track on the network and substantial improvements to stations.

Earlier this year the rail industry was invited by Nexus to express preliminary interest in Metro and propose investment models. The results of this work are being built into the procurement strategy, allowing Nexus to compare what the private sector has to offer against current and forecast performance by Metro.

http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=3508

A system relatively local to me aswell, a system with potential to be so much more then what it is.

I think a good oppourtnity is being missed with Teeside looking for their own light rail network aswell. Using the Durham Coast line and a re-opened Leamside line they could both be run as a North East S-Bahn style network.

But concentrating on the Tyne & Wear area it is frustrating that the tunnel hasn't been extended from St James Park towards the economically deprived west end of Newcastle and then up towards the airport.

Other extensions I'd like to see:

1) from Jesmond (the underground station) along the coast road corridor to the Silverlink retail park
2) again from Jesmond to Benton - Killingworth - Cramlington
3) Gateshead to the Metro centre and Team Valley
4) Gateshead - Washington - South Hylton
5) Regent Centre - Great Park

agree with a lot you say Salif. Tunneling through the West End would have a massive impact on the system and the economy of the area. i think the best route would be from St. James following the route of a lost street up to Westgate Hill for the first stop. only difficulties with this would be negotiating the old tunneling (gas pipes, Victoria Coal Tunnel) though this is by no means insurmountable and has been negotiated elsewhere. then perhaps cut-and-cover along the West Road, with various stops along the way (at the hospital for one). where it goes from there would be up to debate, though i think it would be ideal for stops at Denton Burn, Lemington/Newburn Business Park, and crossing the river to Blaydon. From there under-utilised NR lines could be used to bring the Metro Centre and Dunston into the Metro System. After that it may have to go underground again due to the heavy use of the existing NR line, for a stop at Bensham, before joining the loop at Gateshead.

a North-East S-Bahn is another good idea. The line going down the Durham Coast could be integrated into the Metro though, there's scope for another 5 or so stations South of Sunderland Station, for instance on Gray Road, in Hendon, Leechmere, Ryhope and finishing at Seaham Station.

I also think that a tram system would be useful, to go down Old Durham Road in Gateshead. Another could travel along the Quayside and then up into Walker.

I'm sure it's been mentioned before in relation to the Metro but I wish they'd re-open the goods line to Alcan to passengers - it's plumbed into the Metro network near Northumberland park and there's even a disused station in the centre of Ashington. You don't even need to electrify it - just buy a few diesel trains and have an interchange at Northumberland park.

Love the Metro - used to live in Newcastle and compared to Merseyrail that I have now it was fantastic

I'm sure it's been mentioned before in relation to the Metro but I wish they'd re-open the goods line to Alcan to passengers - it's plumbed into the Metro network near Northumberland park and there's even a disused station in the centre of Ashington. You don't even need to electrify it - just buy a few diesel trains and have an interchange at Northumberland park.

Love the Metro - used to live in Newcastle and compared to Merseyrail that I have now it was fantastic

I wish they would aswell (although I would argue in favour of electrification given it's ECML diversionary potential), but alas the furthest it's got is the talking stage.

Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk........it's good to talk?

Yes if it leads somewhere.

Metro of the future

Jan 16 2007

By Peter Young, The Evening Chronicle

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icnewcastle/jan2007/7/4/2B18FF4A-CC52-0580-1C749A09D82C8FF9.jpg
How North Shields station could look after a revamp

This is a first glimpse at new-look Metro stations and trains unveiled today as part of a £600m modernisation plan for the system.

But the proposals come with a stark warning that the Metro will grind to a halt without major investment.

The scheme includes a facelift for stations with new ticket machines and barriers to deter fare dodgers, refurbishing and eventually replacing the train fleet, and renewing tracks and signals, over 20 years.

A 300-page business case setting out the plans will be delivered to Downing Street next week by Metro operator Nexus and the policy-making Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA).

Ministers will be asked to back the project, which is the biggest shake-up since the Metro opened in 1980, and Nexus is warning that without the money the railway will gradually decline and close, with dire consequences.

Meanwhile, bids are being invited from private companies to run the railway which will be measured against an in-house bid from the Metro management. Thirteen organisations have been interviewed so far.

The bidder which provides best value for money will win, meaning the day-to-day operation of the Metro would go to a company or companies.

However, officials say this would not be privatisation because the railway would remain in public ownership and fares and levels of service would still be fixed by Nexus and the PTA.

In a report to the PTA, Bernard Garner, director general of Nexus, makes it clear what the consequences will be if the Government does not back the scheme.

"The Metro system provides the backbone of the public transport network and delivers significant social and economic benefits to the region," says Mr Garner.

"Without investment to renew and carry out major maintenance work the system will gradually fall into decline over the next 20 years, reducing performance and introducing safety risks to the system, all leading to eventual closure."

Officials estimate that the impact of closure would be 15 million extra car trips, a 20% increase in commuter traffic on major routes into the city from North Tyneside and east Newcastle, a 25% increase in traffic using the Central Motorway and Tyne bridges, and a three or four-fold increase in bus trips.

The successful bidder would be awarded a seven-year franchise to manage the Metro, with a possible two-year extension depending upon performance, before the contract went out to tender again.

Nexus employs around 1,000 people - 660 directly on the Metro - and unions are worried about the impact on jobs and conditions of employment.

In a statement, Nexus said: "In return for the level of investment we are asking for, Nexus will need to show Government it is getting the best possible value for money in providing Metro services.

"As such we will be assessing any bids from the private sector against the most efficient cost at which the current in-house management team could continue to deliver the service. How any bidder achieves the most effective cost is a matter for them but they would have a legal requirement to maintain working conditions and pension rights of staff transferred into their employment.

"We intend to offer a seven to nine-year condition to run Metro in which fares, the level of service and operating hours will be stipulated by the PTA.

"Passengers and taxpayers can only benefit from this. They will get a completely modernised Metro, they will know the operator provides the best value for money, and the elected members of the PTA, through Nexus, will still set the minimum standards of service at the same levels as today."

Nexus would have to provide 10% of the cost of the first two phases of the project and managers reckon they can raise this through investment by private developers in projects such as the commercial redevelopment of Haymarket station, and borrowing with the debt repaid within existing budgets.

Mr Garner said: "The Metro plays an important role in the prosperity of the region.

"The business case has attempted to articulate the economic and financial benefits of carrying out the maintenance and renewal work.

"The economic benefits are substantial and the financial appraisal demonstrates the value of investing at the right time. It makes neither economic nor financial sense to defer and ignore the need for investment."

At a meeting next Tuesday, members of the PTA will be asked to approve the business case for their first two phases of the project and a delegation will then travel to London to present it to ministers.

The bid is expected to get the formal backing of the Association of North East Councils on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Nexus is pressing ahead with several major schemes outside the bid including the privately funded £20m modernisation of Haymarket Metro station, which includes new shops and offices, the £7m upgrade of Sunderland station platforms and the installation of escalators, a new £3.2m station at Simonside, and improvements to Whitley Bay, Felling, Benton and Monkseaton stations.

---------------------------------------------------------

Time to move

Metro chiefs have a timetable for the modernisation scheme if ministers give the go-ahead by the end of 2007.

The first job would be to replace 248 outdated ticket machines which only take coins with new ones which would accept credit cards and notes.

To help tackle fare dodging, barriers similar to those on the London Underground, would be erected at 10 busy stations, Monument, Central, Haymarket, St James, Manors, and Jesmond, all in Newcastle, plus Gateshead, Heworth, North and South Shields.

The aim is to complete this work costing £20m by 2009 and make a start on trackworks, signals, stations, bridges and tunnels at a cost of £55m.

The second stage which involves most of the major engineering work, station improvements and the refurbishment of trains, would cost £255m and would happen between 2009 and 2017.

It would include the modernisation of North and South Shields stations, Heworth interchange, a new station in South Tyneside possibly between Jarrow and Hebburn or Monkton, dualling single line track between Pelaw and South Shields, and providing more park and ride spaces.

The work would continue into the final stage, between 2018 and 2026, when the Metro fleet of 90 trains would be replaced and the ticket machines would be updated again at a total cost of £290m.

Good stuff, the metro is great but since the Sunderland extension the trains have started to show their age.

The Metro is a great piece of transport infrastructure for Tyne & Wear. As for a couple of things ive wondered is regarding the new rolling stock couldn't they use adapted versions of the new London Underground S-Stock that can run 1500 Volts DC overhead or would such stock be too large if so couldnt they order some tube stock?

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/6/67/300px-S-stock-exterior.jpg

Also with regards to a possible extension into the West of Newcastle couldn't they run along the A186 corridor in a cut and cover tunnel serving developments along that corridor to a park and ride site near to the A69/A1 junction or perhaps even extending further to create a second Metro route to Newcastle Airport. Also they could perhaps construct a route alongside the ECML between Chester Le Street and Newcastle and to possibly branch with Washington towards the existing line from South Hyton - Sunderland? Although unlikely in the current environment of not spending anything on transport surely there must be some plans somewhere for new routes for the Tyne & Wear Metro and to expand on what is already a successful transport network.

There is a pdf about some of this on the nexus site i think. I stumbled accross it the other day and it was quite interesting reading.

This is such a wicked system. II'd love to see some extensions or even a brand new deep level tube line interconnecting with the city centre sections - but i don't know much about Newcastle or the North East to know where you'd put them or if they're viable.

Either way, this was acclaimed when it was built and should without doubt be given a good injection of cash by the government (and hopefully return running buses alongside - instead of - against the system).

This is such a wicked system. II'd love to see some extensions or even a brand new deep level tube line interconnecting with the city centre sections - but i don't know much about Newcastle or the North East to know where you'd put them or if they're viable.

Either way, this was acclaimed when it was built and should without doubt be given a good injection of cash by the government (and hopefully return running buses alongside - instead of - against the system).

Agreed, it really is an excellent system and it seems such a shame to see how hard it needs to fight for its continued existence and improvement. I think it is exactly the sort of thing we should be looking to replicate elsewhere. Mersyrail has some similar qualities toom tho metro has the edge. One thing they really should do is finally get the metro to the metro centre!

Yeah, I always thought that rather strange that the metro doesn't go to the metro centre! lol As much as I'd like to see new underground lines built (for example I'd like to see the stump that goes to St James continued with one more underground station serving the Science City development on the old brewery site and then it continuing overground as a street running tram along Westgte Road which then loops around the whole of the west end, crosses the river and comes back to Gateshead station via the metro centre) but unfortunately we all know that with the current government, anything as comprehensive as that is simply dead in the water, it just isn't going to happen. I think Nexus will have a hard time getting these very stripped down proposals approved.

same everywhere andrew at the moment. they just dont seem to be putting two and two together all this shit about saving the environment and lowering carbon emissions but they wont give people the transport services to get out their cars, as well as putting prices up!

same everywhere andrew at the moment. they just dont seem to be putting two and two together all this shit about saving the environment and lowering carbon emissions but they wont give people the transport services to get out their cars, as well as putting prices up!

Dare I say it but the tories look like they could be the better option in this regard. It may all just be spin at the moment but at least they're spinning the right stuff whereas the current lot have just lost the plot. There too busy trying to find every penny for the NHS to fulfill that promise, that they're failed to notice the emergence of other impending crises.

Yeah, I never thought anything would ever swing me towards the tories but if the spin they're coming out with at the moment actually turns into concrete policy commitments then I may actually give them some serious consideration.

Great thing about the Tyne & Wear Metro is that it is a relatively simple idea that came about through common sense thinking rather then spectacular out of the box ideas.

But it needs help to prosper and reliase it's full potential over the next 20+ years.

I would list the following as priority:

1) station modernisation

Already seems to be happening thankfully, ticket machines that can take notes, euros and debit/credit cards are a must.

2) Replacement of stock

I'm guessing that Trams are the most likely basis of the next orer of rolling stock. Not sure what to make of this as I still think three car metro's can be justified if the buses were regulated again.

I think the metro was initially designed for three car metro's (rather then the current two car formations we have now) but Government cut backs put paid to this.

3) regulated buses

Don't care if the operators kick up a fuss, ban buses from duplicating metro services and ensure they serve the main metro stations. The buses have to be clean, safe and comfortable (don't gasp) and be part of an all in one ticket price.

Regulated buses could then link the metro network to those places that can't justify a rail link.

4) network extensions

Four Lane Ends - Balliol - Killingworth - Cramlington

St James Park - District Centre - Denton - Walbottle - Newcastle Airport

Denton - Metro Centre - Dunston - Gateshead

Dunston - Bensham - Team Valley

Sunderland Park Lane - Barnes Park - Doxford Park - Tunstall - Ryhope

Gateshead - Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Wrekenton - Washington Town Centre - East Washington - Sunderland Pallion

East Boldon - Tyne Dock

Byker - Walker

St James Park to the West End and Gateshead to Washington and Sunderland being the most important imo.

Yeah, I always thought that rather strange that the metro doesn't go to the metro centre! lol As much as I'd like to see new underground lines built (for example I'd like to see the stump that goes to St James continued with one more underground station serving the Science City development on the old brewery site and then it continuing overground as a street running tram along Westgte Road which then loops around the whole of the west end, crosses the river and comes back to Gateshead station via the metro centre) but unfortunately we all know that with the current government, anything as comprehensive as that is simply dead in the water, it just isn't going to happen. I think Nexus will have a hard time getting these very stripped down proposals approved.

Newcastle used to have an extensive street tram system, not sure why it wasn't modernised and kept as it served a lot of the West End, an area that missed out on the Metro.

some pics here:

http://www.picturesofgateshead.co.uk/postcards_trams1/index.html

http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/tlt/tlt.nsf/search?openagent&type=simplesearch&q=tram&qe=&qo=&start=1&num=12

I think there also needs to be some kind of shuttle route between Palmersville or Four Lane Ends and Wallsend becuase it is a real pain having to travel via the Coast or City centre if you are just going to stations around those areas.

Newcastle used to have an extensive street tram system, not sure why it wasn't modernised and kept as it served a lot of the West End, an area that missed out on the Metro.


Same reason that practically all of our tram systems were got rid of - "progress". They thought busses would be better, more efficient, that the tram's time had come... oh how wrong and shortsighted they were! I believe the trams were got rid of long before the Metro was built.

"Dunston - Bensham - Team Valley"

It used to make me so F*cking crss waiting for the bus home on the Team Valley whilst trains wizzed past not syopping because the station on STATION road wasn't there anymore.......

Same reason that practically all of our tram systems were got rid of - "progress". They thought busses would be better, more efficient, that the tram's time had come... oh how wrong and shortsighted they were! I believe the trams were got rid of long before the Metro was built.

I don't really see it being shortsighted. Wrong, yes. They weren't to know buses would attract such a social stigma and thus be so deprived of proper investment.

In 20-50 years time when/if a lot of proposed tram schemes are running; who's not to say that they won't themselves earn themselves a social stigma?

Trams running on the same alignment as cars/buses are really no improvement over buses IMO. Still all the same problems of generally a bumpy and uncomfortable ride, stuck behind traffic/broken down vehicles etc etc.

In 20-50 years time when/if a lot of proposed tram schemes are running; who's not to say that they won't themselves earn themselves a social stigma?
Because trams are proven, they've already been around for ages and they're way more successful at getting people out of their cars than busses. Unless some revolutionary new urban public transport system comes along I don't think trams will go out of fashion amongst users anytime soon.

Because trams are proven, they've already been around for ages and they're way more successful at getting people out of their cars than busses. Unless some revolutionary new urban public transport system comes along I don't think trams will go out of fashion amongst users anytime soon.

No tram system in this country is "proven". Sorry but most passengers have switched from buses. Most systems have gone below expectation in terms of passenger numbers and all but 2 systems have acceptable integration with other local transport.

Perhaps in terms of urban regeneration shiny new trams have played an important part - but to suggest this will go on is slightly ambitious don't you think?

How are trams 'proven'? AFIAK all but Nottingham's tram system have suffered poor passenger numbers. However, I do sympathise that these systems are very much in their infancy and all need dramatically expanded. For example; both the Manchester (and Nottingham) trams both completely miss their respective unis, which means probably at least a million journeys pa, possibly 5x that, are not being generated on the Manchester system alone and instead having to rely on buses.

Just because in the 1930s trams were loved by passengers doesn't mean they will suddenly be loved again.

No tram system in this country is "proven". Sorry but most passengers have switched from buses. Most systems have gone below expectation in terms of passenger numbers and all but 2 systems have acceptable integration with other local transport.

Perhaps in terms of urban regeneration shiny new trams have played an important part - but to suggest this will go on is slightly ambitious don't you think?

I think you should check out the figures for the Nottingham system before spouting such shit.

As for cars, how many car drivers out side London would choose to catch a bus, compare this to the park and ride systems in Nottingham. Nottingham has proven that if a system is well planned with good park and rides from motorways, people will use them to get in to cities as it's seen as fast and convenient.

The ultimate proof for the success of trams is that where cities have them, there is clamour to extend them, such as in Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield. Of course we will always get nimby fuckers like you but the vast majority of people with more than one brain cell will appreciate a clean efficent modern fixed form of transport.

How are trams 'proven'? AFIAK all but Nottingham's tram system have suffered poor passenger numbers. However, I do sympathise that these systems are very much in their infancy and all need dramatically expanded. For example; both the Manchester (and Nottingham) trams both completely miss their respective unis, which means probably at least a million journeys pa, possibly 5x that, are not being generated on the Manchester system alone and instead having to rely on buses.

Just because in the 1930s trams were loved by passengers doesn't mean they will suddenly be loved again.

Do you know how many people travel on the Manchester sytem, I would hardly say poor passanger numbers.

Trams have played a massive part in the regeneration of Manchester and will continue to do so with the big bang.

I think you should check out the figures for the Nottingham system before spouting such shit.

As for cars, how many car drivers out side London would choose to catch a bus, compare this to the park and ride systems in Nottingham. Nottingham has proven that if a system is well planned with good park and rides from motorways, people will use them to get in to cities as it's seen as fast and convenient.

The ultimate proof for the success of trams is that where cities have them, there is clamour to extend them, such as in Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield. Of course we will always get nimby fuckers like you but the vast majority of people with more than one brain cell will appreciate a clean efficent modern fixed form of transport.


I know you absolutely love trams to death. You've make that quite clear on this site but that's no reason to get all protective and swear at me then suggest I'm a nimby when I'm pretty pro public transport of any form.

Fact is I said most (i.e. not all) systems have been below passenger numbers. Nottingham has done a fantastic job and you're welcome to look at my posts in the nottingham threads to concur my view here. Excluding Nottingham can you: 1. Name another system that exceeded (let alone met) passenger expectations? 2. Name a system that has created an impressive significant proportion of "new" commuters? No? Thus are trams "proven", no, not in the UK they're not unless you want to look only at regeneration. I would like to see more light rail systems built however - I come from the viewpoint that to subsidise and invest in transport creates and grows an urban centre i.e. costs outweigh overall benefits.

We're down to 1 carriage trains on a sunday now, they were pretty packed at the weekend, I wouldnt mind if it meant they kept frequencies at saturday levels but they havent so I waited 18 minutes for a rammed train from Jesmond to Wansbeck Road.

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/9092/metroextensionski8rt2.jpg

some ideas for Metro Extensions i did a while ago using google earth to find routes. down to Seaham would use existing, under-utilised line. Cut-and-cover along the West Road, new bridge across to Blayon, then using the existing NR line. not sure how the red line would join once we reach the city centre/gateshead though. Also would be an idea for a line going down Durham Road to Team Valley, reopening leamside line, lines up to cramlington, as well as a tram system to link cut-off Walker "peninsula" to the system.

Very good Johnny, I would join your extension in Newcastle to the airport taking in the whole of the west end plus I would add an extension between Northumberland Park and Wallsend which would eliminate the need to go into town or around the coast for journeys between the North of North Tyneside and the South of North Tyneside and the East End of Newcastle.

yes, another idea is a new line going from central station, following the old newcastle-carlisle line (old elevated line currently used as a car-park! - could build under it tho) to Newcastle Arena then curving up to College/Rye Hill, then a deep underground line through Elswick and up to General Hospital for an interchange. From GH it could go up Wingrove Road and through the upper west end to the airport. Could also have a spur continuing down the newcastle-carlisle line to Newcastle Business Park and Scotswood.

Something like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/metromap2.jpg

How lovely such ideas would be if there was any prospect of something like that ever being built. Sadly, you know what our government is like...

How lovely such ideas would be if there was any prospect of something like that ever being built. Sadly, you know what our government is like...

yes there's zero chance of any of these extensions being built. Wish we'd start spending on ambitious rail projects like the Spanish. :bash:

Well, we may not be getting any extensions to the metro but at least we should be getting this (click on the pics for full size):

Haymarket Metro:
http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/resources/image/468b1eb054552ea4/look%20like7a.jpg (http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/resources/file/ebb1ed054555612/look%20like7.jpg)

North Shields Metro:
http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/resources/image/468adb704f083b01/New_NorthShields.jpg (http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/resources/file/ebadb804f09a994/New_NorthShields1.jpg)

More pics and info here: http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Nexus/Metro+Re-invigoration/

If Brown doesn't give this the go-ahead, I'd like to personally kick that big fat arse of his (unfortunately, I'm not likely to ever get get close enough to the guy to get the chance, and I'd have to think about the consequences if I did... but still)!

fingers crossed. those plans look good but really they should be the bare minimum we're looking at to improve the system.

I agree, but I think they are the best we can possibly expect from the current government, and as a result, if they are approved I'll be happy (but only until another government gets voted in). If a new government gets voted in promising to spend more money on transport, then I'll expect to see more. I'll expect to see extensions to the system not just refurbishment of the existing one.

totally agree Andrew. I just pray that these modest plans get approval, otherwise we really are in deep shit!

damn old boring council people being so lazy as to even get their act together and get a move on with development and modernization

There should be a line going Killingworth-Dudley-Cramlington-Bedlington-Blyth ( possibly even as far as Ashington but then Blyth would realistically be a spur ). A fairly decent population of commuters in that area of South East Northumberland. It appales me Blyth has no railway staion. Dont see any reason at all why the airport line shouldn't be extended into Ponteland ( well maybe apart from the snobby locals! ) makes sense. An extension from South Hylton into Washington then onto Birtley where it could join the existing line into Newcastle would make sense too. With a fleet of road going trams incorporated into the system the skies the limit really.

damn old boring council people being so lazy as to even get their act together and get a move on with development and modernization
The Metro is not the council's responsibility. It's the responsibility of Nexus.

hell all the council do is decide on city centre development plans and grant permission for conservatories

Used the metro yesterday, it was, as always, very cheap, quick and convenient. Can't help but think they must lose huge amounts of cash in lost revenue through fare dodgers, I have never seen a ticket inspector.

i havent seen one since last year prestonian yet they have the infrastructure to have ticket machines like they do on the london tube so that you have to put your ticket through to get on and off baffles me!

I get checked all the time, about once out of every 3 journeys between Gosforth and Town Id say.

1 in 3 is still pretty low. They could probably earn millions extra with better ticketing. You'd only really need barriers at the city centre stations to recoup a large amount of cash.

Almost 38 million passenger journeys were made on the Tyne and Wear Metro last year, the highest number since 1994 according to figures from operator Nexus.

The continuing rise in passenger numbers has been welcomed as Nexus makes the case for the £600m Metro Re-Invigoration programme to renew and modernise the 27-year-old railway system.

Between April 2006 and March 2007 37.9 million passengers travelled by Metro. This is the highest figure since 1993/1994.

The figure represents a rise of 5.9% on the previous year, and means more than 130,000 people are using Metro every weekday and 170,000 at weekends.

Between them Metro passengers travelled more than 295 million kilometres last year – equivalent to the distance from Earth to the Sun and back again.

Nexus attributes this success to excellent reliability and punctuality, the new timetable offering a 3-minute frequency through central Newcastle, and the good value of tickets – with a £399 annual Metrosaver offering unlimited travel for less than £8 a week.

Bernard Garner, Director General of Nexus, said: “Without Metro Tyne and Wear would be stuck in the slow lane. More than 130,000 passengers rely on Metro every day, which shows just how important it is to local people and the economy.

“We have seen a sustained period of growth for more than a year now, showing that passengers recognise the good value, convenience and safety which Metro offers.”

“Without Metro 10,000 fewer people every day would travel into Newcastle City Centre because of increased congestion, and millions more journeys would be forced onto our over-crowded roads every year – that’s why Metro Re-Invigoration is crucial.”

Metro Director Mick Carbro added: “Metro offers a train every three minutes through central Newcastle, high frequencies elsewhere, excellent reliability and a good price.

“Our staff are doing a first-class job to give customers a service they can use with confidence, whether it’s running trains, maintaining the network or helping passengers at stations.

“This is proving a winning combination. When people come back to Metro they find it a very good way to get around and they use it again and again.”

The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority and Nexus in January this year submitted the Metro Re-Invigoration detailed business case to the Department for Transport (DfT). Nexus is now on talks with DfT over the details of the proposal.

Without Re-Invigoration Metro will slowly begin to decline and fail in the decade ahead, increasing congestion on the region’s roads and starving city centres of visitors.

The Re-Invigoration proposal sets out a 20-year spending plan to completely renew and modernise Metro, from track, signals and communications through to stations and trains.

Metro carries around 133,000 people every weekday on 430 train services serving 59 stations. Our 60th station will open at Simonside, South Tyneside, in autumn 2007.

Metro punctuality is 91.08% (trains arriving within 3 minutes of timetable at every station). Reliability is 99.44 (percentage of timetabled trains that operate).

http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Nexus/News/News+archive/2007/Nexus+news+-+Metro+patronage+highest+for+13+years.

They used to have a similar system to the London underground where you popped your ticket in and the gate opened. As I recall from living there as a child the gates dissapeared around 1989 or 1990. I have no idea why they did this. Ticket collectors are virtually non-existant outside the city centre ( and there they are rare in my experience of 15 years of using the system ), wasn't unusual to go a few years without getting your ticket checked. Few of my friends ever bought a ticket. I have no doubt the system haemorrhaged potential revenue during the period. Dont know the situation in the three years since I moved.

Used the metro yesterday, it was, as always, very cheap, quick and convenient. Can't help but think they must lose huge amounts of cash in lost revenue through fare dodgers, I have never seen a ticket inspector.

I have!!! For the first time too. It scared the crap out of me. But then I got off the train as they were comming on and they never said anything. I heard they were putting ticket barriers at jesmond. Crap! I ain't paying £1 to travel 2 stops. Bus is better.

Don't get me wrong. The Metro's great but alot of these extentions get shot down because they don't have a market. Alot of the time they just replace existing services. Metrocentre is very well served by bus and train, all thats needed is a little rebranding exercise, ticket changes and redrawing the map. Westgate road is adequetely served by X city buses. Also, its a bad idea to build light rail transport into poor areas, the system can't compete with buses which are ultimately cheaper (Sheffield has shown this, see research by John Henneberry).

Perhaps the best commercial case is in Gateshead, where the a1 is creaking under the heavy traffic. WE could reallocate the budget for weston bypass widening to Metro extention. Question is: Would Geodies, especially those who live in Newcastle who won't directly benefit from it, advocate this?

you get the metro from jesomd to the city centre??? its a short walk!

you get the metro from jesomd to the city centre??? its a short walk!

Yeah it is but I, like most people, am lazy.

To monument it takes 15 minutes walking, metro cuts about 10-5 minutes plus effort off. £1 for my 5 minutes?

Regardless of the metro the Western By-pass needs at least another lane, probably D4 ( as the A19 was widened to in Teeside several years ago - which isn't as busy as that stretch of the A1 anyway ). Its heavily congested and having the Metrocentre next to it really does it no favours ( 200'000+ visitors per day in the run up to Xmas ).

A1 should be three lanes all the way and be a (M) all the way its a major artery in this country

Millions more using the Metro

May 31 2007

By Peter Young, The Evening Chronicle


Passengers are flocking back to the Metro, boosting the case for multi-million pound plans to modernise the railway system.

Latest figures reveal people made 38.4 million trips on the Metro in the past 12 months, an increase of 2.4 million or 6.6%.

That means the Metro has enjoyed its most successful year since 1994, the year the Channel Tunnel opened.

Around half the increase is down to the Gold Card scheme, which allows pensioners and disabled people unlimited travel for £12, previously £8, a year, while the rest is due to more fare-paying passengers.

The Gold Card was introduced to coincide with free local bus travel through the Government's new concessionary travel scheme which began in April 2006.


Story continues Continue story
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The growth has been welcomed by the management at Nexus, which operates the railway and is trying to persuade ministers to back the £600m Metro re-invigoration programme.

The 20-year scheme includes a facelift for stations, with new ticket machines and barriers to deter fare dodgers, refurbishing and eventually replacing the train fleet, and renewing tracks and signals. The Metro opened in 1980 and at its peak was carrying around 50 million passengers, but numbers started to decline after public transport was deregulated in 1986, falling to 36 million.

But the latest figures reveal that in the four weeks up May 12, the railway carried more than 3 million people. The management says the success is down to several factors, including reliable and punctual services and a timetable offering a three-minute peak time frequency through central Newcastle.

Passengers have also been snapping up the cut-price £399 annual Metrosaver pass, which gives unlimited travel for less than £8 a week. More people are using the Metro for work, which officials believe is a sign of the strength of the city centre economy and the growth in the service sector.

Meanwhile, the success of the new Northumberland Park station, opened in December 2005, serving a fast-growing residential area of North Tyneside, has also helped.

Bernard Garner, director general of Nexus, said: "We have seen a sustained period of growth for more than a year now across all types of passenger.

"This shows people recognise the good value, convenience and safety the Metro offers. Without the Metro 10,000 fewer people every day would travel into Newcastle city centre because of increased congestion.

"Millions more journeys would be forced on to our over-crowded roads every year. That's why the Metro re-invigoration is crucial."

Re-regulate the buses and the Metro will be even more popular.

Re-regulate the buses and the Metro will be even more popular.

i agree, that is a good idea. regulation would help to bring the NR lines through gateshead into the Metro system. the local buses could be funneled into interchanges at metro centre or blaydon from outlying places like Whickham, Ryton and other outlying villages like chopwell and so on. then you'd switch to the metro at the interchange to speed up the rest of your journey. people from as far away as Hexham travel through blaydon interchange on the bus so it would make more sense if the last part of their journey was speeded up rather than the slow trudging of a bus with plenty of stops.

I think the metro is a great system and i'm often surprised that it isn't better used. If better integration of bus services would help it then it should be done.

i cant see the bus situation ever being any better with arriva and go north east competing with the metro

Are there any plans available on the web for the changes to the Haymarket concourse proposed as part of the new development. I have seen the 3d drawings that have been put forward in the £600 million proposal, but as far as I knew the Haymarket refurb is a go-ahead anyway right? Even without the backing of the govt????

£600,000,000 for the HAYMARKET!?!

£600,000,000 for the HAYMARKET!?!

They're going to build a replacement for Central station there aswell :lol:

Seriously, isn't that the same price as the Shard?

Seriously, isn't that the same price as the Shard?

No idea, that price tag is for the entire metro network - Haymarket is just part of it.

Quaylink buses linking city centre to the quayside have carried their millionth passenger last week. not bad considering they've only been going two years and for the first 6 months hardly anyone used it. perhaps the success of this bus route, coupled with more and more developments going up on the quayside, could see a tram system built in the future. possible route extensions could even continue down st lawrence road, past spillers and into walker, as well as into Baltic Business Park when it is built, and up into the Ouseburn.

You misunderstood me! What I was saying was I undertsand that the plans to redevelop Haymarket are included in the £600 million proposal recently submitted to the govt.

BUT...

As far as I knew the Haymarket concourse/platform redevlopment is a go ahead anyway as the station is redevloped from June. So why is it included in the bigger proposal? And are there any plans on the web for the current redevelopment (the Haymarket revamp).

Are there any plans to extend the metro?

No new lines in the works?

You misunderstood me! What I was saying was I undertsand that the plans to redevelop Haymarket are included in the £600 million proposal recently submitted to the govt.

BUT...

As far as I knew the Haymarket concourse/platform redevlopment is a go ahead anyway as the station is redevloped from June. So why is it included in the bigger proposal? And are there any plans on the web for the current redevelopment (the Haymarket revamp).

Sorry, that does make alot more sense:) But I don't know the answer to your question

Are there any plans to extend the metro?

No new lines in the works?

there is a new station under construction that will be completed in a few months. other than that, no further plans for expansion due to the government hating metro schemes and refusing them money.

^^ LOL. I thought there was a plan to extend it all the way out to Ashington and Blyth?

Why would the Government hate the metro? It's public transport, it deserves money. Is it because it's privately operated?

^^ LOL. I thought there was a plan to extend it all the way out to Ashington and Blyth?

Why would the Government hate the metro? It's public transport, it deserves money. Is it because it's privately operated?

There is a plan for rail services to Ashington and Blyth but the line won't come under the Metro designation. however in anticipation of that line a new station was built at Northumberland Park a year and a half ago. The new line would connect with the metro at that station.

Other proposed plans are for the reintroduction of the Leamside Line which would go from Sunderland, through Washington and connect again at Pelaw iirc. This might be part of the metro but is more likely to be reopened as a separate entity. There was a big plan called the "Orpheus Project" a few years back, that envisaged a couple of new rail lines and extensive street running trams, but the govt denied it funding.

What i meant to say was that the govt hates metro schemes in general, because they are tight fisted, shy away from risks and have strict cost:benefit ratios. support for those types of schemes must be at all time low, the govt seems to prefer "guided bus" routes and other nonsense. :ohno:

Guided buses???!!!! I saw some of those in Leeds and though I thought long and hard about it I could not see any benefit to having guided buses.

They still have a driver, they still have to go on-road much of the time, they still get held up at traffic lights. Seems like building the infrastructure is the biggest waste of money to me as bus lanes provide the same thing and involve painting a line down the road.

As for the metro issue, i suppose the metro is a total loss maker so not an appealing project for expansion. Although the metro goes on an on about rising passenger numbers, if they put barriers on the stations these would decline quickly with people switching to the cheaper bus routes rather than the no longer 'free' metro.

Guided buses???!!!! I saw some of those in Leeds and though I thought long and hard about it I could not see any benefit to having guided buses.

They still have a driver, they still have to go on-road much of the time, they still get held up at traffic lights. Seems like building the infrastructure is the biggest waste of money to me as bus lanes provide the same thing and involve painting a line down the road.

As for the metro issue, i suppose the metro is a total loss maker so not an appealing project for expansion. Although the metro goes on an on about rising passenger numbers, if they put barriers on the stations these would decline quickly with people switching to the cheaper bus routes rather than the no longer 'free' metro.

I don't see much point in guided busses either -it just seems like they're putting up wires for nothing. It might have some psychological effect, but even then I still don't see how they're any better than normal busses.

When I was in Newcastle last (about 2 years ago) about one in every 5 trips I took on the metro had some sort of ticket verification involved, but even then it would just be a group of people standing beside the gates at Monument or Haymarket station -which seems stupid as they could have just used the gates and a better ticketing system. Surely the labour costs involved in ticket checking would be more than building a decent ticketing system.

Here in Perth, the ticket barriers and smart card system came in about 8 months ago, since then patronage numbers haven't dropped and the system is making a lot more money -so I can't imagine Newcastle would be much different.

I think if the Metro wants to be more profitable, then they really need to look at expansion. More connections, better frequencies, making it cheaper as well (the metro's quite expensive!) etc. -that's the way of getting people to ride.

Here in Perth, the ticket barriers and smart card system came in about 8 months ago, since then patronage numbers haven't dropped and the system is making a lot more money -so I can't imagine Newcastle would be much different.

Thats quite reassuring and I would hope the system arrives in Newcastle soon. We really do need an oyster card type system anyway. Its ridiculous that this day in age you still have to root around for change to buy a metro ticket. :rant:

If we dont get the £600 million the government might suggest a reduced funding package or some kind of PPP. Either way it will be bad news for metro.

Oyster card systems are spreading throughout the world relentlessly -it's not a matter of 'if' but 'when' for Newcastle. Tyne and Wear would be a great area for public transport if some actual thought and planning was put into it -extending the metro, creating TOD's etc. -it would all fit together brilliantly if only people had some foresight.

Is Nexus a shitty operator?

I'm glad that Perth's transport system is still Government owned. It seems that we have the best system in Australia, and the parliament is determined to build more lines. I only wish Newcastle (my 2nd home) would follow suit. I love Tyneside, I know it can have (and deserves) a lot better.

A new line is opening soon, there's a video on it here:
http://www.newmetrorail.wa.gov.au/NMR/video/Video_NMR_web.wmv

Metro, in Leeds/West Yorkshire are also saying "when" to Oyster Cards and have them in their transport plan.

i wish our metro was like yours alot

tyne and wear metro is mixed alot and thats a good thing

i live in Miami and we have the Metrorail but its sort of like tyne and wear metro but it doesn't go underground i wished though

want to see examples of the Miami Metrorail to see?

want to see examples of the Miami Metrorail to see?

yes please

Can people tell me if they can see this pic? If so I'll post more of the Metro.
http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOBm-KauWI/AAAAAAAAADU/f7SIJXiWwZk/Byker%202.jpg?imgmax=576
Not sure if Picasa will let me hotlink photos.

Hi Andrew, I can see the picture.

Awesome! The above picture is of the inside of Byker Metro Station.
Here are some more of Byker:

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOBj-KauVI/AAAAAAAAADM/XBt8uYWYIOo/Byker%201.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOBqOKauXI/AAAAAAAAADc/aEZkMOoyN64/Byker%203.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOBteKauYI/AAAAAAAAADk/v1Ows8_zfqs/Byker%204.jpg?imgmax=576


Central Station:

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCYeKauiI/AAAAAAAAAE0/lTS1CYBzyWI/Central%20Station.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOB6-KaucI/AAAAAAAAAEE/zyWMEIr2_dg/Central%20Station%202.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOB_eKaudI/AAAAAAAAAEM/SW_REv3Hpo8/Central%20Station%203.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCCuKaueI/AAAAAAAAAEU/AkslFc2dLmY/Central%20Station%204.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCLOKaugI/AAAAAAAAAEk/FrQmzyBGq7c/Central%20Station%206.jpg?imgmax=576

I've got loads more but I'm not sure it's appropriate to fill this thread up with pics since it's more for news and discussion. I might start a new picture thread in the international section.

fill this thread up with pics andrew! the more the merrier.

Very well, here are some more shots of stations (in no particular order).
More of Central Station:
http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOB3-KaubI/AAAAAAAAAD8/NU21C-0lwVo/Central%20Station%201.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCHOKaufI/AAAAAAAAAEc/AJZoQ2O9nHQ/Central%20Station%205.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCPeKauhI/AAAAAAAAAEs/TrbskHoe_UI/Central%20Station%207.jpg?imgmax=576


Four Lane Ends new interchange:
http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJleKauHI/AAAAAAAAABU/sCB-w1gB4Uo/Four%20Lane%20Ends.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJvuKauKI/AAAAAAAAABs/M9tpd82nz0E/Four%20Lane%20Ends%202.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJseKauJI/AAAAAAAAABk/_RV4Vs2LfUs/Four%20Lane%20Ends%203.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJzeKauLI/AAAAAAAAAB0/i0ouUjKPMNI/Four%20Lane%20Ends%204.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJ4OKauMI/AAAAAAAAAB8/CVWO4BV_jYw/Four%20Lane%20Ends%205.jpg?imgmax=576

Obey...
http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJ-uKauOI/AAAAAAAAACM/hfuckyguBDE/Four%20Lane%20Ends%207.jpg?imgmax=576
... or else!


Gateshead
http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCbeKaujI/AAAAAAAAAE8/sEVhj68EFJc/Gateshead%201.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCe-KaukI/AAAAAAAAAFE/3vqIhKtXarw/Gateshead%202.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCiOKaulI/AAAAAAAAAFM/Fm5xmZzRbpI/Gateshead%203.jpg?imgmax=576

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCnOKaumI/AAAAAAAAAFU/8d7Ad_hxG1I/Gateshead%204.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCy-KaupI/AAAAAAAAAFs/yktNT_wcAyM/Gateshead%207.jpg?imgmax=576

More in a bit.

Andrew, these pictures are brilliant thank you so much for posting them. I love the Newcastle Metro, it really rocks. My favourate bit is the ferry link, that is so unique and some of the stations on the coastal stretch. There is so much station diversity on the Metro, it rocks.

If you think about it, as much as we complain about problems with it, lack of maintenance and lack of government commitment to future improvements, expansion etc, Newcastle's Metro really is quite special when you take it in the UK context. It's quite impressive that it ever got built. I just hope now that the commitment to funding that the government has given them will be enough. What I'd really like to see though is a proper expansion in the west of the city fully integrated into the existing system (for example more tunnels dug from the end of the existing ones at St James' Park).

I don't think there will be any more tunnels dug from St James on wards I think the reason they stopped there was to do with the amount of work that would be involved.

BUT! I have heard a rumer that the new tram trains preposed may be about to replace the old metro trains and may eventually run over ground in to the west of the city.

I went on the Metro on thursday. I thought it did its job well but was kinda expensive. I suppose though I was paying for singles. Anyway, it also has a really annoying jerk when it accelerates out of every station... why :S Its also not the fastest train in the world! It must be quite a restriction to have Metro lines being shared with National Rail too, in many cases.

I went on the Metro on thursday. I thought it did its job well but was kinda expensive. I suppose though I was paying for singles. Anyway, it also has a really annoying jerk when it accelerates out of every station... why :S Its also not the fastest train in the world! It must be quite a restriction to have Metro lines being shared with National Rail too, in many cases.

The metro doesn't share any of its lines with national rail its on a completly independant system. They are jerky because of their age i guess they are getting upgrade soon so I let them off they are nearly 30 years old. Also they are introducing a new consetioary fare soon and introducing an Oyster type card sytem within the next two years so that should see the cost come down. It is still pretty good value an anual student pass is just 250 quid.

Here is a fact for you its the only remaining publically owned railway in the country.

The metro doesn't share any of its lines with national rail its on a completly independant system.they do on the way to Sunderland. From where the South Shields branch turns off, to Sunderland.

they do on the way to Sunderland. From where the South Shields branch turns off, to Sunderland.

and that's the dirty mackem section too so it doesn't count.

j/k

The bit to Sunderland is the bit I was really referring to yes.

I don't think they have any major problems with it sharing tracks with National Rail services on the Sunderland line.

I'm pretty sure the Oyster Card type system is not due to be installed until phase 3 of the metro invigoration project, which doesn't start until 2018.
The upgrade to ticketing that is happening in the next couple of years is only to put new barriers in and new machines that take cards and notes.
See here for the planned phases:
http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Nexus/Metro+Re-invigoration/About+Re-invigoration/

Theres no problems at the moment no, but if they want to up frequency on that line, or change times or whatever, everything has to be done in co-ordination with Northern. That must limit the flexibility of that part of the Metro to an extent.

I'm pretty sure the Oyster Card type system is not due to be installed until phase 3 of the metro invigoration project, which doesn't start until 2018.
The upgrade to ticketing that is happening in the next couple of years is only to put new barriers in and new machines that take cards and notes.
See here for the planned phases:
http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Nexus/Metro+Re-invigoration/About+Re-invigoration/

I'm not sure if thats right I think the barriers will accept the new european smart cards which eventually you will be able to use anywhere in europe. Funnily enough though these are not compatable with the oyster system in London so unless they can upgrade their system they will have to completely replace the oyster system to fit with the new European smart card.

LOL, that'll be great if it is indeed true. Funny about London having to replace their whole system if they're going to use the Euro Smart Cards though.

Here are some photos of Haymarket Metro station. It won't look like this much longer:

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODFOKauuI/AAAAAAAAAGU/SPp4T7Zr2lg/Haymarket.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOC5-KaurI/AAAAAAAAAF8/0SrFgxG6xsw/Haymarket%201.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOC8uKausI/AAAAAAAAAGE/udAeJPEgaTE/Haymarket%202.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODCOKautI/AAAAAAAAAGM/yJelWQASQCE/Haymarket%203.jpg?imgmax=720


Now to the suburbs - Longbenton:
http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJU-KauCI/AAAAAAAAAAs/OgIIfplltoA/Longbenton.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJiOKauGI/AAAAAAAAABM/feg-k5uoapU/Longbenton%201.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJeeKauFI/AAAAAAAAABE/AEZry2AdwXM/Longbenton%202.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJbOKauEI/AAAAAAAAAA8/FuH4Fgd857A/Longbenton%203.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMJX-KauDI/AAAAAAAAAA0/lZGolnUAxF4/Longbenton%204.jpg?imgmax=720


Manors:
http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODdeKau1I/AAAAAAAAAHM/33vnVRwmQ3c/Manors.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODKeKauwI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2VuCo-7JzAU/Manors%202.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODQeKauyI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ywrSakm5Lp8/Manors%204.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODZ-Kau0I/AAAAAAAAAHE/phPHI6EYMwU/Manors%206.jpg?imgmax=720


An oldie - Monkseaton:
http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODseKau5I/AAAAAAAAAHs/defQ2R8e9EM/Monkseaton%203.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMKKeKauRI/AAAAAAAAACk/RANHeIqOLsg/Monkseaton.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMKOOKauSI/AAAAAAAAACs/sXOfieXLtCk/Mnkseaton%201.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODwOKau6I/AAAAAAAAAH0/bgmmq9gs1Js/Monkseaton%204.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODo-Kau4I/AAAAAAAAAHk/_mcAm5XjLYc/Monkseaton%202.jpg?imgmax=720

great pics Andrew, there's quite a few old-fashioned ornate stations on the coast, Tynemouth being the best example.

Thanks for those.We never get enough photos of this system.

I wouldn't get off at that Manors station! Is it well used?

Not really probably the least used of the City Centre stations, though might get busier now that the new Northumbria Campus is right next door, for people coming from Town its not really worth getting on the Metro as the amount of time you have to wait for a train is probably the same as it takes to walk, coming in though from Chilli road direction I imagin it will get quite busy with all the students and people going to the business park.

Used to be the site of Newcastle's second railway station with about 10 platforms. The old line from Central to Gosforth ran through the current site but has now been diverted into the underground station to provide an under used chord for metros from Manors to Jesmond (presumably for access to the airport branch).

I was speaking to someone about that chord and apparently they used it in the mornings and an evening so that the metros could get to St James or the gosforth depo without having to go all the way round the coast. I'd like to see it used for service trains though to save people who live down the monors byker/chilli road leg of the coast loop having to change in town for airport/regents centre in a morning or evening, possibly with a new station on the chord at Sheildfield.

I was speaking to someone about that chord and apparently they used it in the mornings and an evening so that the metros could get to St James or the gosforth depo without having to go all the way round the coast. I'd like to see it used for service trains though to save people who live down the monors byker/chilli road leg of the coast loop having to change in town for airport/regents centre in a morning or evening, possibly with a new station on the chord at Sheildfield.

I'm pretty sure there's still a couple of platforms on that section of line, you can see them from Sandyford Road.

Yes there is just next to that Indian resturant thats in an old Railway Car

I don't get it, surely it can't be used. If you go on google maps and follow the track from where it goes past that Indian restaurant south towards manors, it goes along the trench in between the central motorway and the manors campus, but it reaches a dead end where it gets to manors business park car park. I can't see a way for trains to get from manors to jesmond other than going via the coast.

I don't get it, surely it can't be used. If you go on google maps and follow the track from where it goes past that Indian restaurant south towards manors, it goes along the trench in between the central motorway and the manors campus, but it reaches a dead end where it gets to manors business park car park. I can't see a way for trains to get from manors to jesmond other than going via the coast.

It doesn't reach a dead end, it goes under the business park and connects with the eastbound track at Manors station. If you're ever passing through Manors on a westbound metro take a look at the eastbound track and just as you're heading to Monument you should be able to see the junction diverging.

It's what those scissor crossovers just outside of Manors tunnel are for.

Thanks for the metro pics, brings back memories.

Longbenton is looking good.

It doesn't reach a dead end, it goes under the business park and connects with the eastbound track at Manors station. If you're ever passing through Manors on a westbound metro take a look at the eastbound track and just as you're heading to Monument you should be able to see the junction diverging.

It's what those scissor crossovers just outside of Manors tunnel are for.

Ah right, that's interesting, you learn new things all the time! Why haven't they made the most of that then? There's potential for one, possibly even two more Metro stations on that stretch of track! With the new Northumbria campus and a fair bit of new student accommodation in that area, which already has a relatively significant existing population, there must be a good case for new stations there. It seems to me to be something that could provide a lot of benefit at relatively little cost (compared to larger schemes such as trams for the west end). Stations here could also help to encourage new development in that area.

I guess it's because it's effectively a city centre avoiding line and as thus doesn't have a whole lot of demand. But as you point out with the new campus opening up there perhaps there will be demand for peak hour services from a station there to the suburbs and satellite towns and also act as a direct route from North Shields to the Airport using the old bay platform there?

The Manors mainline station could do with increased usage I reckon.

At the moment I don't think the line between Jesmond and Manors can be used I think the power lines are missing in some places and also they are currently building some new halls right over the train lines like they did at Glenamara (which I'd like to see them do all the way down the line right up to the second road bridge on Osbourne Road surely that land is worth it? It would be perfect for Student halls right over a busy train line and next to a busy road, and would muffly the sound for the private housing behind.

If the number of students at Northumbria University living in Jesmond is anything like the numbers at Newcastle University then the new campus at manors should definately improve the business case for utilising that bit of track.

Jesmond is pretty a 50/50 split Newcastle to Northumbria as far as I can tell. So I would imagine the demand could be there, possibly just one every 4 trains though as the City Centre stops are pretty much the only busy stops on the entire network.

Thursday 04 October 2007

Metro has carried more than 39 million passengers in a year for the first time since 1993.

New figures show that in the 12 months to the end of August 39.1 million passengers travelled on Metro, an 8.1% increase on the same period last year.

The number of people using Metro has now been increasing for 18 months, buoyed by the good value, frequent services and excellent reliability the network offers.

An annual Metro pass is just £399 – frozen in price since January 2005 when it was reduced from £575. That means you can travel anywhere on Metro for less than £8 a week.

Successful marketing campaigns have also seen a growth in the number of people buying DaySaver tickets for work and leisure travel as well as Gold Cards for pensioners and disabled passengers.

Metro Director Mick Carbro said: "Metro offers excellent value and great convenience – that’s why passenger numbers are at their highest for 15 years.

"You will struggle to match the reliability and price Metro offers anywhere else in the country, and people in Tyne and Wear recognise that and see Metro as their first choice mode of transport.

"People are using Metro more and more for summer days out and leisure travel, which has boosted passenger numbers alongside the steady growth in commuters."

Nexus Director General Bernard Garner said: "A lot of hard work has gone in to making Metro a better service and this is reflected in the steady growth in passenger numbers.

"Metro is vital to the local economy and the growth in passenger numbers shows how important it is in reducing congestion and carbon use.

"The growth in passenger numbers is the best possible argument for new investment, as we and the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority make our case for Metro Re-invigoration over the next 20 years."

Nexus announced earlier this year that Metro punctuality and reliability were on track to be higher than on any comparable rail network in mainland Britain.

That's an interesting article, and quite positive (though I presume its from Nexus' website so it's gonna be positive). Anyway, I can't wait to see some of the changes taking place on the Metro. Can anyone confirm if any work has started on the Haymarket station development yet? Or if they've started trialling or installing new ticket machines or barriers?

the work has started as they shut down the station on sundays, they began taking interior panels apparently, stuff likes roofs, fixtures, platform walls etc.

a link to an article about the ticketing http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Nexus/Nexus/Metro+Re-invigoration/Re-invigoration+news+-+PTA+and+Nexus+secure+%C2%A312.9m+to+modernise+Metro+ticket+machines.

With all the talk of various crossrails in other threads, here is an idea i came up with for a tyne and wear crossrail. there's more stations south of the tyne as these some of these areas aren't currently served by light rail or the metro, so it is a good opportunity to link them up, while saving the northern portion for express routes. haven't included sunderland in this yet, nor an express route to the airport, but they would also be included, along with perhaps including the Ryton-Metro-centre NR line, while a westward loop to take in the west end of newcastle would be an extension to the metro proper. input from the likes of salif would be appreciated. particularly about what Metro station trains coming from cramlington and beyond would link into, i think it is Northumberland Park, but i'm not sure

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/TYNEwearcrossrail-1.jpg

Awesome idea. The area around Ashington/blythe/bedlington is desperate for mass transit. Too bad the people coming out of those towns are quite undesirable though.

Awesome idea. The area around Ashington/blythe/bedlington is desperate for mass transit. Too bad the people coming out of those towns are quite undesirable though.

Beg your pardon?

There's over 70,000 living in those towns and you choose to slag them all off when the vast majority of them are good hard working people.

You arrogant pompous sod, I guess you're just living up to your signature.

Btw Blyth doesn't have an 'e' in it.

With all the talk of various crossrails in other threads, here is an idea i came up with for a tyne and wear crossrail. there's more stations south of the tyne as these some of these areas aren't currently served by light rail or the metro, so it is a good opportunity to link them up, while saving the northern portion for express routes. haven't included sunderland in this yet, nor an express route to the airport, but they would also be included, along with perhaps including the Ryton-Metro-centre NR line, while a westward loop to take in the west end of newcastle would be an extension to the metro proper. input from the likes of salif would be appreciated. particularly about what Metro station trains coming from cramlington and beyond would link into, i think it is Northumberland Park, but i'm not sure

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/TYNEwearcrossrail-1.jpg

Would be a bit out of the way serving Cramlington from Northumberland Park.

Would like to see a line serving the towns alongside the ECML towards Cramlington and a link from Cramlington to Blyth, Bedlington, Ashington and Morpeth.

^the existing line that goes through Seghill up to Wansbeck Valley joins the metro at Northumberland Park. the plans to establish rail link from Blyth to Newcastle would run from Northumberland Park, which apparently was one of the reasons for opening the station. Instead of curving east to go towards the coast, the line could curve west to go up to Cramlington.

Beg your pardon?

There's over 70,000 living in those towns and you choose to slag them all off when the vast majority of them are good hard working people.

You arrogant pompous sod, I guess you're just living up to your signature.

Btw Blyth doesn't have an 'e' in it.

ROFLMAO.

Calm down princess. Didn't mean to offend.
And from my experiences in those towns, the vast (and I mean VAST) majority of those people look as though they could be carrying any number of diseases.

ROFLMAO.

Calm down princess. Didn't mean to offend.
And from my experiences in those towns, the vast (and I mean VAST) majority of those people look as though they could be carrying any number of diseases.

Sounds like that's more to do with you then, maybe you just inspire that sort of look in people?

Whats up with the metro? Apparently it is fecked today?

Mine shaft collapse halts Metro
Mineshaft at Northumberland Park station
Engineers are trying to establish the extent of the mineshaft
Major disruption has been caused to the Tyne and Wear Metro system after an old mine shaft collapsed near a station.

A train driver spotted the hole near the track at Northumberland Park, North Tyneside, on Wednesday evening.

All services have been suspended on a 2.5 mile (4km) stretch of track between Benton and Shiremoor.

The suspension is expected to be in place until Friday and replacement bus services are in operation between Four Lane Ends and Shiremoor.

Engineers are trying to establish the extent of the damage, according to Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus.

Speaking on Thursday morning, spokesman Huw Lewis said: "We know it's about six-feet wide and it's right beside the Metro line. At the moment, we don't know how deep it goes or how far it runs from the opening.

"Engineers brought in from the Midlands overnight are exploring, so that so we can find out what's needed to put things right."

Mick Carbro, director of Metro, added: "I want to apologise to passengers for the disruption they are suffering, but we have to close this stretch of line while we investigate the subsidence and make the track completely safe.

"My staff are concentrating on two things - making sure we get Metro back to normal as soon as possible, and providing the best possible alternative travel in the meantime."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tyne/7050363.stm

Beg your pardon?

There's over 70,000 living in those towns and you choose to slag them all off when the vast majority of them are good hard working people.

You arrogant pompous sod, I guess you're just living up to your signature.

Btw Blyth doesn't have an 'e' in it.

Blyth has lots of 'e' in it, only £2 a tablet :lol:

*cough*£1.50*cough*

Speaking on Thursday morning, spokesman Huw Lewis said: "We know it's about six-feet wide and it's right beside the Metro line.

That's some brilliant in-depth analysis going on there.

Here comes the next set of photos...

Inside a Metro carriage:
http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlODhOKau2I/AAAAAAAAAHU/eSgn9NsLQd4/Metro%20train%20interior.jpg?imgmax=720

Monument Metro station entrance from the top of... Monument:
http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOELuKavAI/AAAAAAAAAIk/i1jiPV39y-0/Monument.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOD0-Kau7I/AAAAAAAAAH8/AT2reFDOTPw/Monument%201.jpg?imgmax=512

And inside Monument station:
http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOD5-Kau8I/AAAAAAAAAIE/gHRiDnshKgA/Monument%202.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOD-eKau9I/AAAAAAAAAIM/kmc-XuaXsBw/Monument%203.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOECuKau-I/AAAAAAAAAIU/INbtPEqvjdA/Monument%204.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOEHeKau_I/AAAAAAAAAIc/qYbvO-EUbH8/Monument%205.jpg?imgmax=720

Next... North Shields:
http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOEPuKavBI/AAAAAAAAAIs/NnpJ81qznIY/North%20Shields%201.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOES-KavCI/AAAAAAAAAI0/GXxENInir8c/North%20Shields%202.jpg?imgmax=720

A pretty interesting new station - Nortumberland Park:
http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMKCuKauPI/AAAAAAAAACU/ltEorO1-PY4/Northumberland%20Park.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlMKGeKauQI/AAAAAAAAACc/0zVlLkvdPaQ/Northumberland%20Park%201.jpg?imgmax=720

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOEZeKavEI/AAAAAAAAAJE/pKhJzSbFXL0/Northumberland%20Park%202.jpg?imgmax=720

There's more... I'll post them after a bit more discussion.

Although a good new station Northumberland Park is a right pain in the arse If you are travelling from the coast to town and back again as its 2 extra stops on the round trip !!!:soapbox: :)

^the existing line that goes through Seghill up to Wansbeck Valley joins the metro at Northumberland Park. the plans to establish rail link from Blyth to Newcastle would run from Northumberland Park, which apparently was one of the reasons for opening the station. Instead of curving east to go towards the coast, the line could curve west to go up to Cramlington.

Not meaning to slur against the idea but a line going from Benton to Northumberland Park to Cramlington and then onto Blyth would be a zig zag of a route.

Instead I'd quite like to see a new line from Regents Centre to North Gosforth (tunnelling under the Great North Road) going to Great Park, Dudley, Wideopen and onto Cramlington and then across to Blyth and Bedlington.

If the Port of Blyth go through with their plans to relocate to the North Bank a Blyth town centre station could be constructed on the current site using the old Cowpen freight line.

Moving onto serving Newcastle Airport, there was an idea mooted to build a new line from the ECML to Newcastle Airport. I don't think this is needed, if some passing loops can be fitted onto the Metro line an express service could run from Sunderland to the Airport stopping only at Gateshead, Central, Monument, Haymarket and Regent Centre.

I'm sure such a service would provide the fast service desirable for the airport.

On a longer term scale the St James Park line could be extended westwards and then up to the Airport providing an alternative route. Build a chord from St James Park to Central Station aswell.

Thanks for the photos.

Nobody's posted on here in quite a while so I thought I'd resurrect this thread. I was looking for a nice news story to do this, but alas no. Oh well... Anyone got any news on the new Haymarket station?

Nobody's posted on here in quite a while so I thought I'd resurrect this thread. I was looking for a nice news story to do this, but alas no. Oh well... Anyone got any news on the new Haymarket station?

Externally no real visible progress yet other than the big boards up they are still doing the ground works, as far as I know its not had any major delays though.

In side there is a test patch of the new Blue flooring and the panels on the roof of the escalators have all been removed so basically looks like a London tube station at the moment. :lol:

are they going to expand the network well the Metro network

I seriously doubt it, our Government doesn't like spending money on expanding our railways and instead prefers to financially cripple car drivers. I'd imagine someday car drivers will be shot dead by snipers placed on motorway overbridges to keep traffic levels down. That way we'll still have no need for any serious money to be spent on public transport.

aww man are you serious they won't expand the network but it will be better if they did it will serve areas where it needs to be and where it can have potential

I wish they would extend the metro westwards, but there are a number of reasons why they won't. Apparently the original plan was for the tunnels at St James Park to be extended but it was never built because there is a coalfield in the way and they'd need mining rights to be allowed to dig the tunnels. If that's actually the reason it's the most rediculous reason ever!

Turn the tables and tell whoever owns the coalfields they have to pay for metro tunnel blocking rights.

Metro passenger numbers on rise

More than 3.5 million people used the Tyne and Wear Metro in the month leading up to Christmas - the highest number since 1992.

An average of 140,000 people used Metro every day to and from Newcastle during the period, a 4% rise on 2006.

Total passenger numbers for 2007 were also up in the same period, with 39.3 million people using the service.
-

metro should comfortably surpass 40m passengers in 2008 using those figures.

That'll be good news, the more people who use it, the better the cost:benefit ratio gets for any upgrades and extensions!

Plan for reopening of old railway link

Jan 21 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

TRANSPORT bosses are urging the Government to back a multi-million pound Tyne-Tees rail-link which could transform the region’s economy.

A new railway linking the North-East’s two city regions would cost more than £65m but would reduce the travel time to under an hour and generate new businesses along the route.

The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) and Metro operator Nexus have commissioned a report into the feasibility of reopening the Leamside line track which runs through Washington and Durham before joining the East Coast Main Line closer to Teesside.

Network Rail has given the plans the cold shoulder and the region’s transport groups have admitted there is “currently little chance of central government funding”. But an undeterred group of politicians and planners, including the North-East Assembly, Durham County Council and development agency One NorthEast, are determined to see the route reopened.

Their study shows the reopening of the Leamside line, closed in 1992, could lead to extra stations opening at Gateshead East, Washington North, Washington South, Penshaw and Fencehouses.

Trains could also call at Heworth and early estimates predict more than 2,000 customers a day would use the new line.

Extra costs would come from modifying stations in Teesside. PTA boss David Wood said the first step was to preserve the line.

He added: “We would love to get this back into operation to give people more choice and really link the region.

“We need to make sure that nothing is built on the line that would ruin the chance of using this track, so the immediate concern is to preserve this.

“From there we can go on to future lobbying to see if the Government can help provide the start-up costs for this.

“If they are serious about investing in transport, which I think they are, then this will one day be a working route. Our immediate concern is that this does not go the way of other rail lines and end up getting built over or broken up.

“We need to preserve this opportunity.”

While it is thought the cost of running the route could be recouped from ticket charges, the consortium has admitted that there would not be enough spare cash to pay back the initial start-up costs.

A report to go before PTA members on Thursday will warn of the task facing them.

It states: “The stance taken by the Department for Transport and Network Rail sits at odds with the need to develop realistic alternatives to car use in the context of growing demands for transport capacity in a low-carbon environment.

“The Leamside corridor is an irreplaceable resource in transport planning terms.

“Action must be taken soon before the physical condition of vital structures becomes such that they cannot be easily restored other than at a prohibitive cost.”

thats good reuse that abandoned Railway route for the Tyne and Wear Metro it makes alot more sense and it can cover more areas also to expand it northward, westward, southward, and eastward well in alot of directions but that it will reach areas such as ports, surburb areas, Railway stations, Airports and such to areas not served by any Rail service this will do well for the metro

thats good reuse that abandoned Railway route for the Tyne and Wear Metro it makes alot more sense and it can cover more areas also to expand it northward, westward, southward, and eastward well in alot of directions but that it will reach areas such as ports, surburb areas, Railway stations, Airports and such to areas not served by any Rail service this will do well for the metro

The Metro pretty much has all these things covered.

It is connected to Newcastle Airport, it also has stations very close to the Port of Tyne both North and South of the river.

The only thing it misses really apart from a few suburbs here and there is the whole west end of the city and a loop line going from St James to the airport via the west end would be the next logical step imo.

I think extending the Metro westwards into the west of Newcastle, and like mentioned maybe cicle up to join the metro line going to the airport. This would greatly improve the economic outlook for a rather poor area of Tyneside.
I know this is all pie in the sky, but I think the initial plans were to do the extension west, but also to continue further north (probably north from South Gosforth) up into Forest Hall, Killingworth and up to Cramlington.
Gateshead population isnt really served very well either, there is only Eastern Gateshead area served (ie Felling, Heworth etc). It would have been great a line south through Low Fell or Team Valley down to Birtley and Chester le Street. This probably would have to have used the main railway line, and is therefore unlikely to happen as the line is massively used anyway.
One line that doesnt exist is a line going west through Gateshead- where the train to Carlisle train goes. This line isnt used half as much as the main east coast and the metro trains running from Gateshead through to the Teams, Dunston, Metro Centre and then to Blaydon- indeed most of the stations are already there. I just assume the Metro trains could use these platforms as they do in Sunderland town centre.
I know this is all pie in the sky- we struggle to get any funding for some new ticket machines never mind new lines!!!

To be fair we're very lucky to have a metro system especially when you consider Leeds can't even get a tram network. Extensions are needed and as much as I dislike our Government I can understand the struggle to get public investment. Decades of successive Governments running down our transport infrastructure means there is a huge backlog of things to do. Unfortuantley the need isn't matched by the available funds.

What we really need is devolved powers and the re-regulation of buses, if we can't get a tunnel to the west we can at least fix the bus routes so they connect those unserved areas to the nearest metro station.

To be fair we're very lucky to have a metro system especially when you consider Leeds can't even get a tram network. Extensions are needed and as much as I dislike our Government I can understand the struggle to get public investment. Decades of successive Governments running down our transport infrastructure means there is a huge backlog of things to do. Unfortuantley the need isn't matched by the available funds.

What we really need is devolved powers and the re-regulation of buses, if we can't get a tunnel to the west we can at least fix the bus routes so they connect those unserved areas to the nearest metro station.

And therin lies the problem. Local bodies need the ability to raise their own finance for schemes that are perhaps locally critical but nationally unimpressive.

Indeed, and I think Nexus need to be more ambitious and imaginative in their ways to raise revenue. For example, they've finally started to wake up to the potential for development over stations such as at Haymarket. They really need to do the same thing at Manors (except that it could really benfit from a comprehensive masterplan) and they should make some money from any future redevelopment at St James Park.

ROFLMAO.

Calm down princess. Didn't mean to offend.
And from my experiences in those towns, the vast (and I mean VAST) majority of those people look as though they could be carrying any number of diseases.

as a ex-cramlington lad, i can safely say your an idiot.

Indeed, and I think Nexus need to be more ambitious and imaginative in their ways to raise revenue. For example, they've finally started to wake up to the potential for development over stations such as at Haymarket. They really need to do the same thing at Manors (except that it could really benfit from a comprehensive masterplan) and they should make some money from any future redevelopment at St James Park.

got to do something with Manors! Nexus must own a far whack of land around tyneside, could be worthwhile setting up a development company to use the land to raise revenue. Manors Business Park development has to overdue, its a huge waste of land, in fact it is probably an appropriate area for a couple of talls.

i wonder if Nexus will build a new underground station up by Westgate Hill or under the Brewery as i hear the SJ stretch tunnel continues up there and there's been one or two whispers about this. but considering the cost, and the fact that Nexus are concentrating on obtaining funds for Metro renovations, probably unlikely (big missed opportunity as the site will only be developed once).

i wonder if Nexus will build a new underground station up by Westgate Hill or under the Brewery as i hear the SJ stretch tunnel continues up there and there's been one or two whispers about this. but considering the cost, and the fact that Nexus are concentrating on obtaining funds for Metro renovations, probably unlikely (big missed opportunity as the site will only be developed once).
Agreed, they definately need to consider this possibility when they're doing the Brewery site masterplan. Even if there's no prospect of this in the forseeable future, I think it's absolutely vital that they safeguard the necessary land to extend the tunnels and build more stations so that they don't scupper future generations chances of seeing a western metro extension.

I still have a load of photos I've not yet shown on here.
A bit of serious infrastructure:

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOEouKavJI/AAAAAAAAAJs/Wer-ribJL5U/Ouseburn%20Viaduct.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOEc-KavFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/mxX8wPtM26U/Ouseburn%20Viaduct%201.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOEfeKavGI/AAAAAAAAAJU/g_t-lXRRqsU/Ouseburn%20Viaduct%202.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOEieKavHI/AAAAAAAAAJc/r3_PnosMxQI/Ouseburn%20Viaduct%203.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOElOKavII/AAAAAAAAAJk/gnan1DwViOE/Ouseburn%20Viaduct%204.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOEsOKavKI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/9LXP1xdpiOk/QE2%20Bridge%201.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOE5OKavOI/AAAAAAAAAKU/bC9_3sIWmXE/QE2%20Bridge.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOE1uKavNI/AAAAAAAAAKM/66ZpuugJ3qo/QE2%20Bridge%204.jpg?imgmax=640

I've still got more in that album...

cool pics andrew, you should load up the rest!

did you know the rail bridge over the ouseburn (one behind the metro bridge in your pics) has a sister, in willington quay in wallsend, designed by the same engineers (john and benjamin green iirc). this one carries metro trains rather than mainline tho.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1434/1388023306_32c6d6fe44_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/1931298058_d5e39172e2_o.jpg

cut n paste job from virtual earth:
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5628/willingtonquaybridgegi9.jpg

another great piece of infastructure from the Metro.

Ah the memories. The view from Byker Metro station is as urban as anywhere in the UK. Flip, Newcastle is a truly great city. Looking out from the main stand at Gosforth races, walking along at Manors with the railway corridor in the cutting, a banging night out at the village or the riverside before they ruined them. God bless the Mayfair, was totally devastated when they closed it. The railway yard at Chillingham Road on the way to the speedway ( a great evening out if you've never been ). Walking up Northumberland Street on a saturday afternoon or smoking a joint on the green after trying to pull some burds in Katmandu lol. Trillions, Lucky's, Gotham Town, the Bridge, The Fog and Firkin. I salute you Newcastle.

Hello.

Visiting sisters. Used Metro. Good service.

That is all.

I love this system... ok so I haven't taken a ride on it yet, but it looks brilliant. Why oh why it can't be copied in more places!?

I love this system... ok so I haven't taken a ride on it yet, but it looks brilliant. Why oh why it can't be copied in more places!?

I dont know mate I guess it is due to the cost.

I agree it is brilliant and we are truely blessed to have it.

If you ever do take a trip I suggest you take it from the Coast, somewhere like Whitley Bay and ride it all the way to the city centre, via byker etc.

It is just a great urban train ride with spectacular views of Tyneside, its hard to beat anywhere really.

:cheers:

Definately, I think Newcastle is very lucky to have such a good urban rail system. It's far from perfect, but without doubt, Newcastle would be far worse off without it.

Here are some more photos:
http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOE8eKavPI/AAAAAAAAAKc/egdE_qfRyQ8/St%20James%201.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOE_uKavQI/AAAAAAAAAKk/78jFn4yQJnA/St%20James%202.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOFFuKavSI/AAAAAAAAAK0/AQnzfWcZ3Lo/St%20James%204.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOFIuKavTI/AAAAAAAAAK8/9WuuUpIqS-U/St%20James%205.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOFNuKavUI/AAAAAAAAALE/-rT5URviLww/St%20James%206.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOFbuKavWI/AAAAAAAAALU/iL0D6pJLz1k/St%20James%208.jpg?imgmax=640

A few more to go...

It's rediculous that this is the last station on the line, it seriously needs to be extended to the West end.

Should hear something soon

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7280275.stm

not good news on the Leamside Line front:


Delays hit rail hopes

Mar 3 2008 by Neil McKay, The Journal

REGIONAL transport bosses and politicians have expressed dismay that proposals that could increase passenger numbers on trains between the North East and London will not be considered for another 11 years at the earliest.

Transport experts in the region argue that the re-opening of the 21-mile Leamside link from south of Durham to Tyneside would divert freight from the East Coast Main Line, allowing faster and more frequent passenger trains to use the track.

But a new report from Network Rail says that it will not be considered until 2019 at the earliest – and possibly not until 2036.

The report – which has echoes of a Highways Agency report that said major improvements to the A1 in the North East would not be looked at until 2015 – comes days after a Newcastle-based think tank warned ministers to provide “substantial” funding to upgrade the North East’s inadequate transport network.

A study commissioned by Tyne and Wear transport operator Nexus says that reopening the Leamside line and a mothballed branch line from Ferryhill to Teesside “would link city regions that together make up the fourth largest conurbation in the UK.” The Leamside lane could also provide commuter services from Belmont, Fencehouses and Washington into Newcastle, and provide an alternative line for freight plus passenger trains when there are problems on the main East Coast line.

Nexus director general Bernard Garner said: “We are disappointed that there is not a firmer and earlier commitment to re-instating the Leamside line, which offers great potential for regional and commuter trains and freight traffic.

“This would improve connection between Tyneside and the Team Valley, bring rail services to modern-day Washington for the first time, and relieve pressure on the East Coast Main Lline.”

Plans to reopen the Leamside Line, which was mothballed in 1992, were included in a Network Rail document for the first time last week.

But its East Coast Mainline Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS) does not envisage the re-opening of the line until 2019 at the earliest.

Dave Clelland, MP for Tyne Bridge and a member of the Commons Transport Committee, said: “I share Nexus’s disappointment at the delay, and like other MPs such as Houghton and Washington’s Fraser Kemp, who has been campaigning for the Leamside line, we will be pressing for an earlier date.

“The region does get funding for transport, we just don’t get as much as other regions and we do need more.”

The RUS acknowledges the potential benefit of re-opening the Leamside Line to improve reliability, flexibility and capacity of rail services in North East England.

There is also an acknowledgement it could be used to free up passenger capacity on the East Coast Main Line by 2036.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: “The RUS does identify that if passenger demand continues to rise at the very high rate it is doing within the North-East, there could be a point where the business case for re-opening the Leamside line is a sound one. That could be several years away, but the RUS does acknowledge that it is a possibility.”

2036, my god that is what you call a rapid response.

Will the line be protected from being built up on then.

It's a shame there isn't a private company out there that would like to take the project on. It will require alot of investment but there would be returns to be made via freight.

2036, my god that is what you call a rapid response.

Will the line be protected from being built up on then.

It's a shame there isn't a private company out there that would like to take the project on. It will require alot of investment but there would be returns to be made via freight.

yeah, not even considered till 2036, that's pathetic and so frustrating. i think the line is protected by network rail but they are removing the actual track itself (it would probably need replacing anyway). the govt looks at the business case for new lines but don't really regard the quality of life benefits, and for a govt so big on green rhetoric, you'd think they'd make a big investment into rail alternatives. especially with the rapid expansion at Teesport, this line could shift freight off the roads and onto the more environmentally sound rail.

dont worry though about this... they have plenty of money for new turnstiles to stop people committing fraud with tickets. they are spending £14.1 million to reduce ticket fraud of less than 1 million a year!

dont worry though about this... they have plenty of money for new turnstiles to stop people committing fraud with tickets. they are spending £14.1 million to reduce ticket fraud of less than 1 million a year!

Think you've over simplified that abit its not only to stop ticket fraud by introducing Barriers in around 14 of the main station. But also to introduce an oyster card type system and make it possible to buy tickets with cards and notes which at present you cannot do (which if you actually ever used the metro you would find very annoying)

That estimate of 1 million a year seems low. I have been on trains which are randomly selected for ticket checks andI would say about 10% of the trains occupants were not carrying valid tickets... but then again I am on the 'scummy' yellow line rather that the 'la-de-da' green line! :-)

dont worry though about this... they have plenty of money for new turnstiles to stop people committing fraud with tickets. they are spending £14.1 million to reduce ticket fraud of less than 1 million a year!

Never let facts get in the way of a good story eh?

NEXUS are spending £13m on new ticket machines (249 in total) and ticket barriers at 13 stations.

http://www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=4772

The ticket barriers will pay for themselves in a couple of years and are a very sensible investment.

Pity about the Leamside line, plenty of towns would be served by it's re-opening - but this is just an example of the overall attitude to transport spending in this country.

There was a proposal to re-open the Leamside line and extend it over the River Tyne to Heaton where it would re-connect with the ECML and provide a Newcastle by-pass. This is definitley something to aim for especially if HS2 were to link into Newcastle Central Station.

some good news:

Nexus is marking the opening of its 60th Metro station at Simonside on South Tyneside by giving a week’s free travel away to two thousand people living in the local area.

The special offer has been introduced to showcase the £3.2m station, which opens on March 17, and to show the benefits of having Metro on their doorstep. People living near to the station, and all those residing in its wider catchment area, will be entitled to seven days of unlimited free travel on Metro from Monday 17 March until Sunday 23 March.

Nexus, the Metro operator, will be sending out a special pack containing the free Metro travel vouchers to all those living in the area from Friday 7 March.

The new Metro station at Simonside - the European Regional Development Fund gave £800,000 - offers the residents five trains an hour in each direction towards South Shields town centre, Gateshead and the centre of Newcastle.

Metro Commercial Director, Emma Holmes, said: “This special travel offer will allow people living in the Simonside area to enjoy the benefits of having a Metro station on their doorstep.

“Metro is a fast, reliable and frequent service that beats all the traffic jams and takes the stress out of commuting. By giving away a week’s free travel we aim to show the community what a good thing they’ve got just a short walk from their own front door.

“Simonside will be our 60th Metro station when it opens on March 17 and we want to make sure that it is welcomed just as much as the other 59 were and becomes a part of everyday life on South Tyneside.”

This is not the first time that Nexus has given away free Metro travel. A similar scheme was introduced to mark the opening of the £100m Metro extension to Sunderland in April 2002.

Major building work on Simonside Metro station is complete and contractors for Nexus are now just applying all the necessary finishing touches.

Engineers are carrying out final tests on the communication systems comprising CCTV, Help Points, the public address system and electronic passenger information displays.

The development forms the first part of ambitious plans for the future of Metro put together by Nexus, which is seeking £600m to modernise the system over 20 years.

Plans for South Tyneside include dualling the track to Pelaw, rebuilding South Shields station with new enclosed waiting areas, introducing a new fleet of trains and new ticketing machines and electronic ticket barriers using the latest technology.

Nexus carried out a full public consultation before pressing ahead with the plans for the new Metro station at Simonside and the scheme was given overwhelming support.

The £3.2m Simonside station project has been joint funded by Nexus and the EU’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ERDF contributed £800, 000 towards the total cost of the project.

Pity about the Leamside line, plenty of towns would be served by it's re-opening - but this is just an example of the overall attitude to transport spending in this country.

There was a proposal to re-open the Leamside line and extend it over the River Tyne to Heaton where it would re-connect with the ECML and provide a Newcastle by-pass. This is definitley something to aim for especially if HS2 were to link into Newcastle Central Station.


what would be the point of building a Newcastle bypass???

on a few other things:

Extending Metro in the west: we'd love to if the Government ever said yes to either giving us the money or let us borrow enough to do it. It was planned in the 70s but the reason for not doing at the time was officially that it would be too difficult because of mining tunnels and subsidence but unofficially because the Government ran out of money (google 1976 and IMF) and reined in public spending

ticket barriers: were removed in the late 80s because a child got crushed to death in one (I believe not on the Metro but on another network), but are to be reintroduced hopefully with appropriate safeguards!

interesting about the extension Greg, do you have any more info on the planned route and stations? the plans must be lying around somewhere... maybe the old newcastle to carlisle route was to be utilised.

what would be the point of building a Newcastle bypass???

http://www.david-clelland.org.uk/photos/trainfreightewsncle.jpg

interesting about the extension Greg, do you have any more info on the planned route and stations? the plans must be lying around somewhere... maybe the old newcastle to carlisle route was to be utilised.

I had a look at the original test boreholes on the British Geological Survey website. The test boreholes from St James curved to the S towards Rye Hill, suggesting a link along the old railway line to MetroCentre.

I used the Metro the other after a long long time (Used to use it regularly to School and then to work) and I really liked it, its efficient, well run, pleasant journey BUT and it definately needs updating. The carriages are definately creaking and groaning, we need something that is befitting of the 21st century. Also some of the stations could do with a spring clean, I like the look of Northumberland Park, more stations like that would be nice.

Oh and the line being extended to the West End would be awesome BUT it seems that it shall remain a pipe dream.

yeah the northumberland park station is smart and i like the way the roofs at different levels are layered.

simonside by contrast seem a lot more utilitarian, going off the renders. anyone go through it today or get any pics of it?

Out of interest, who here is working in planning in Newcastle? I'm wondering how much you can realistically get in developer contributions (S106) towards transport projects in cities like Newcastle? At the moment I'm working in London and am used to seeing huge sums of money being given as part of the S106 for projects like Crossrail. In london you can get away with asking for loads because you have the confidence that developers aren't simply going to up sticks and go somewhere else. I'm presuming this is certainly not the case in Newcastle. However, if for example a western extension of the Metro was commited to, and some new sources of funding found (say, through things like road pricing, development over Metro stations, sale of land etc), would it be reasonable to expect a fair chunk of money to also come through S106 contributions attached to new developments in the city? Or perhaps even through a dedicated tariff?
How about the Stephenson Quarter application, surely developer contributions from such a big scheme would be enough to buy a southern access to Central Station? Afterall, it's the kind of thing that is of direct benefit to the proposal.

http://www.david-clelland.org.uk/photos/trainfreightewsncle.jpg


Doh! of course.... sorry for being dim!

Andrew - I don't know but certainly I don't think there is the same kind of ability to rake in s106 as there is in London. It all adds to the cost of a development and makes it less likely that a development will go ahead, so the council can't be too robust in insisting on big sums. I know that the SQ developers are v keen on a southern access to the station - as are the council and Network Rail, I believe - but the cost is significant. £20m is the figure I've heard knocking about.

Jonny - don't know much about which way the route would have gone westwards in the 70's; as I've said, they took the view that it would have been so tricky to map a line given the amount of mine workings that it wasn't worth it, but again, another school of thought suggests that's just an excuse given due to lack of money, because a surface line wouldn't have too much difficulty in this regard.

Doh! of course.... sorry for being dim!

Goodness sake man don't apologise for being dim or half of my posts will end up being apologies!

Infact my idea might have been a bit dim as a fair few freight trains have to use Tyne Yard which is not accessible from the Leamside line.

But this can be overcome by sending freight trains round Gateshead onto the Sunderland line and then accessing a new Tyne Crossing near Pelaw.

I think the only way it would be viable is if HS2/HS3 got off the ground and needed to shift the freight trains out of Central to allow for more inter-city trains.

Andrew - I don't know but certainly I don't think there is the same kind of ability to rake in s106 as there is in London. It all adds to the cost of a development and makes it less likely that a development will go ahead, so the council can't be too robust in insisting on big sums. I know that the SQ developers are v keen on a southern access to the station - as are the council and Network Rail, I believe - but the cost is significant. £20m is the figure I've heard knocking about.
That's a lot, but I thought the £20m figures was for a southern entrance at ground level and a tunnel linking all the the platforms with the metro station ticket hall. Surely a southern entrance with a lift and stairs up to platform level would be considerably cheaper?

That's a lot, but I thought the £20m figures was for a southern entrance at ground level and a tunnel linking all the the platforms with the metro station ticket hall. Surely a southern entrance with a lift and stairs up to platform level would be considerably cheaper?

Newcastle Central could do with a passenger tunnel, could replace the passenger bridge. Be even better if ticket booths were put in this proposed tunnel and the current office could be dismantled and space made available for a couple of extra through platforms.

Simonside metro station in South Shields has made such a difference for me getting to my mams house! no more using Bede station :D shame they didn't use the same designs they used on the metro stations in Sunderland ,one thing they got right on the Sunderland extension.

Nice little webcam of South Gosforth station:

http://www.virgo-networks.co.uk/metro/cam.html

Ministers told to back Metro system revamp

Mar 27 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
Metro train at Felling station

BUSINESS leaders will urge the Government to put plans for an improved Metro system in the region’s economic masterplan.

As the Government debates a Bill which would pave the way for local road pricing, businesses in the North East have called for a show of commitment to public transport.

The North East CBI has called for Government backing of the ageing Metro as part of the detailed planning document the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) which will underpin every major decision up to 2021.

The RSS has been the subject of heated debate between the North East Assembly, which produces it, and the Department of Communities and Local Government, which has made some much-criticised changes to the document.

In the latest version, civil servants have drawn a line through plans to prioritise revitalisation of the Metro system. Instead it simply advocates “investigating” modernisation. Chairman of the CBI’s northern business forum John Cuthbert has drafted a letter on behalf of members calling on the Government to reverse the Metro downgrading. Mr Cuthbert said he was disappointed that a number of areas had not been adequately addressed and would call for greater change in the final version.

The Government’s transport plans were also under fire yesterday for appearing to prepare the way for a system of local road pricing which could be used as a “stealth tax” on motorists.

Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers told the Commons the Tories wanted “the clearest of guarantees from the Government that the funds raised by these schemes will stay local and will be used for improvements to local public transport and local roads”.

Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland told the House he supported the Bill but urged any road pricing measures to be introduced only with public transport improvements. He said: “A properly linked up, well maintained road network is an important part of local transport planning and provision; indeed buses themselves need such provision.

“So roads will still need to be improved and, in some cases, new roads built. That too must be part of efficient transport planning.”

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: “The Bill makes it absolutely clear that it is for local authorities not central government to decide whether local road charging is right for their areas and it also confirms that scheme revenues are for the local authority to spend on local transport even after the first 10 years of the scheme.”

Instead it simply advocates “investigating” modernisation.

Translated as.....investigating how to avoid spending any money and passing the buck onto somebody else.

More pics. Tynemouh:

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOFn-KavYI/AAAAAAAAALk/Cha0B33qpDc/Tynemouth%201.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOFr-KavZI/AAAAAAAAALs/xx9i2Z3WmRM/Tynemouth%202.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOFu-KavaI/AAAAAAAAAL0/PAWppZ3SOoU/Tynemouth%203.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOFx-KavbI/AAAAAAAAAL8/3hQepewLE94/Tynemouth%204.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh4.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOF1uKavcI/AAAAAAAAAME/LnJ4QNUWCUE/Tynemouth%205.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOF5OKavdI/AAAAAAAAAMM/A3roJIO9QgU/Tynemouth%206.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh5.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOF8-KaveI/AAAAAAAAAMU/kupQosuMvXw/Tynemouth%207.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh3.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOGAeKavfI/AAAAAAAAAMc/SBCX1ihwv7Y/Tynemouth.jpg?imgmax=640

I only have a few more left in my album, I'm gonna have to get back to Newcastle to take some more.

Great pics of Tynemouth station Andrew!

Probably the 'grandest' station on the whole system although parts of it could do with a lick of paint!

I was just looking on Nexus website and noticed this little image of the new ticket barriers they're supposed to be installing:
http://www.nexus.org.uk/wps/wcm/resources/image/46811a048760ac60/NorthShields.jpg

They look the same as the ones on the London Underground. I'm glad they're just going for 'off the shelf' ones that have been used widely elsewhere.

nice pics of tynemouth station andrew.

i wonder how they will get day passes purchased elsewhere to work through the barriers. i often buy a day rover from go northeast on the bus, if i plan to use the Metro, and they are like long bus tickets so won't work in a ticket machine.

another new station apparently in the works for South Tyneside:

Bid for new multi-million pound Metro station


By Terry Kelly
A NEW multi-million pound Metro station could get on the tracks in South Tyneside, it was revealed today.
Hopes that a new station could be created between Hebburn and Pelaw come just a fortnight after the successful launch of the £3.2m Simonside Metro station, off Wenlock Road in South Shields.

Transport bosses are willing to "work closely" with South Tyneside Council to launch another station, to serve hundreds of ordinary passengers, students and factory workers.

Coun Eddie McAtominey, the council's lead member for jobs, enterprise and regeneration, is leading the drive to have a new Metro station sited in Hebburn.

He said: "The stretch of Metro line between Hebburn and Pelaw is the longest part of the system without a station and I think it would be the ideal spot to build another one, off Victoria Road West.

"This could then serve some 2,000 students at South Tyneside College, about 1,400 pupils at nearby St Joseph's Comprehensive School, plus workers at Victoria Industrial Estate.

"There are real public transport and traffic issues at that end of the town and I think a new Metro station would be the ideal solution."

Nexus estimates that about 500,000 journeys will be made through the new Simonside Metro station in its first year of operation.

Coun McAtominey, who has had informal talks with Metro operator Nexus about the plans, believes the scheme is "a real possibility".

He added: "I have spoken to the principal of South Tyneside College and the headteacher at St Joseph's Comprehensive, and they have both indicated their support for the scheme.

"Plus, on the business side, members of South Tyneside Enterprise Partnership (Step), have also expressed their backing for a new station at Hebburn."

Transport bosses say they are looking at several potential sites for a new Metro station in Hebburn, including High Lane Row and the proposed site near South Tyneside College.

Jim Bennett, principal of South Tyneside College, said: "A new Metro station, sited somewhere behind Hebburn fire station, would be ideal, since people are often out on a limb in that part of Hebburn, in terms of public transport.

"The college is being developed and such a station would serv
e some of the 8,000 people we will have through the Hebburn site each year, plus the students at St Joseph's.

"Really, I think this a no-brainer, and I wholly support moves for a new station in that part of Hebburn."

A Nexus spokesman said: "We are prepared to work closely with South Tyneside Council to agree whether a new Metro station should be built in the borough and where it will be located.

"High Lane Row is one possible site for a Metro station, depending on new developments in the surrounding area, but there are clearly other possible locations that need to be looked at.

"We are well aware of the potential of other sites, close to South Tyneside College, between Pelaw and Hebburn Metro stations.

"Any location would be agreed jointly between Nexus and the local authority. There is still plenty of time to look at all the possible options in much greater detail."

There have been a lot of new stations added to the network recently, I think it's a good thing. However, one thing I wonder is how much do each of these new stations add to journey times for those going further along the line? I think when they eventually replace the rolling stock they're going to have to place more emphasis on getting trains with really good acceleration / deceleration capability as well as the ability to go reasonable speeds.

it would add about a minute to journeys, but it is probably worth it considering the length of track without a station + proximity to college, school and industrial park. some of the extra journey time for those coming from South Shields could be recouped by speeding up the turnaround of trains there.

pics of new Simonside station:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Simonside_Metro_station.jpg/800px-Simonside_Metro_station.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/throwaway/simonside.jpg

God, have they still not cleaned Tynenmouth station up yet? It's been like that for decades. I must have used that station a 1000 times. How many platforms did it have at it's peak? I remember there being at least 8 clearly visible.

the extra platforms are derelict cos i think someone or other (not sure if it is a developer or the council) wants to demolish them and develop the site into flats or something. what a beautiful station tho, plus a great market there on the weekend.

Glad to hear the markets still going strong. Great Sunday out, a bite at one of the cafes in Front Street, fart about the land of green ginger, maybe hit the beach or take in the north pier or priory, check the views, hit the market and get bevvied at the pubs in the evening.

so there is not going to be an expansion to the west, and North of tyne and wear and is other cities will try out the Tyne and wear metro style.

why hasn't other cities tried the Tyne and Wear Metro?

so there is not going to be an expansion to the west, and North of tyne and wear and is other cities will try out the Tyne and wear metro style.

why hasn't other cities tried the Tyne and Wear Metro?

the answer to both questions is that the govt, despite pretending that climate change is a priority policy, don't care about public transport and won't fund any new & expensive rail schemes. so the much needed extension west won't happen, and neither will other cities getting their own Metro system, until there is a huge change in policy. the only way i can see that happening is kicking out labour and hoping they have a good loook at themselves whilst in opposition, so that when they eventually regain power they are pro-transit. the tories would be just as bad as the current lot sadly.

Theres 2 things at play here. If Labour got voted out, the Conservatives would come in and also not really care about transport. But more importantly, I don't think alot of people actually realise how important good transport is. And when they do, the message doesn't seem to get through to the government. Transport is on the bottom of their agenda- that's not just something I'm saying, it actually is. It's the smallest section of their budget; every other area comes above it. So if Labour got voted out over transport, they'd probably think it was over another area of policy.

It's also easy to think transport is all good when most politicians are spending all their time in London. Id laugh if parliament moved to Leeds or Birmingham (or indeed Newcastle, although at least the Metro exists) suddenly and politicians realised what crap transport can be experienced outside the capital.

^^ I don't automatically vote Labour/Conservative i.e. I swing and am not affiliated with any political party.

I think though you're wrong to suggest the Conservatives don't care about transport. The T&W Metro and Metrolink - as notable outside of London projects, were built and implemented during conservative years.

Labour transport projects are expensive and never turn out as promised. Look at the WCML or the current bidding process for new intercity train sets. Amateurs! They were also the ones to turn down many light rail systems whilst in power.

It would take a miracle to create a rail based transport solution in all our major cities.

But they didn't get transport sorted in most cities, and they privatised transport. Which was the worst decision made in transport history. Perhaps worst after the Beeching Axe actually.

I don't really think any party has transport as a particularly important issue. Lib Dems probably more than others but... still.

South Tyneside Local Development Framework includes plans to connect south shields to sunderland city centre by incorporating the piece of line between Tyne Dock and East Boldon into the Metro System.

Makes sense but if it is implemented without new trains it'll just further bleed dry the frequency of the system.

South Tyneside Local Development Framework includes plans to connect south shields to sunderland city centre by incorporating the piece of line between Tyne Dock and East Boldon into the Metro System.

Makes sense but if it is implemented without new trains it'll just further bleed dry the frequency of the system.

Where did you here this?

Be great if it where to happen.

I had a look through the LDF documents on their website but couldn't find any mention of this, can you point me to the correct one?

some promising news. shows how hairbrained the Beeching Report was that it closed rail links between a former industrial town struggling to survive, and the big metropolis down the road.

Special charter in bid to reopen service to town

Apr 29 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

A FORMER pit town in Northumberland will welcome its first passenger trains for 40 years when a long-running campaign to reopen a lost railway line is stepped up.

Train travellers have not passed through Ashington since the 1960s when Dr Beeching’s rail cuts saw the closure of the Ashington Blyth and Tyne (ABT) passenger line. Now – as part of the lengthy campaign to permanently reopen the freight-only route to passengers – three specially-chartered Northern Rail trains will travel along the line on June 7. The South-East Northumberland Rail Users’ Group (SENRUG) has organised the special promotional event, which will allow about 300 railway enthusiasts to buy tickets and travel on two of the three journeys.

SENRUG has secured funding from Wansbeck District Council to charter the train, which will travel along the length of the line, taking in Newsham in Blyth, Bedlington Station, Ashington, Choppington and Morpeth.

Each of the three journeys will start in Morpeth, run down the main line to Newcastle, back up the ABT to Ashington and then through Choppington back to Morpeth. The first train is reserved for politicians and invited guests from agencies which could play a part in getting the line reopened. But SENRUG is selling tickets for the other two trips at £6 for adults and £4 for children.

Yesterday SENRUG chairman Dennis Fancett said: “We hope these three journeys will help people to realise that this is a fully operational and maintained line which is capable of carrying passenger trains today.

“We hope to show both the general public and those in authority that it is not too difficult to get this line reopened. It would give an enormous boost to towns like Ashington and Blyth, and we think the authorities should proceed with the reopening sooner rather than later. We are expecting every single seat on each trip to be taken. We wanted to put the ticket price at about the same as what an Ashington to Newcastle return by train might cost once the line is reopened permanently, and £6 seemed the right figure. But it does mean we expect to sell out of tickets very quickly, so we urge those who want to be on the trip to buy as soon as they can.”

For those keen to go on one of the journeys on June 7, the second train leaves Morpeth at 10.57am and train three at 2.27pm, with each trip taking around two hours. Tickets can be bought from J&J Models at 53 Newgate Street, Morpeth, or by post by sending a stamped addressed envelope and stating the number of adult and child tickets required, together with a cheque payable to SENRUG for the full amount and a contact phone number, to Colin Patmore, 11 Campion Way, Ashington, NE63 8JG.

I had a look through the LDF documents on their website but couldn't find any mention of this, can you point me to the correct one?

i read the info here - http://www.shieldsgazette.com/daily-feature/The-shape-of-things-to.3634810.jp

not sure where it is on the south tyneside council website tho.

Having a train that links Ashington and Newcastle would be great. At the moment it takes a long time to get to NCL on the bus from up there. Routes like the X31, X32 etc. take forever.

I really hope this is made permanent.

Metro expansion is back on the agenda

May 30 2008 by Peter Young, Evening Chronicle
Bernard Garner who is the new Director General for Nexus, pictured at the Haymarket Metro Station, Newcastle.

AMBITIOUS plans for Metro extensions to outlying areas of Tyne & Wear are back on track.

The idea, which has been previously been ditched because of the cost, will be considered as part of long-term plans to improve the public transport network after the existing Metro system is modernised.

Bosses at transport operator Nexus, which runs the Metro, are hoping to get Government backing for the 20-year £600m Metro reinvigoration project in the summer.

Some money has already been released for new ticket machines and security barriers, and future proposals include major improvements to stations and the railway’s infrastructure and the replacement of the train fleet.

When the project is under way, Nexus bosses will then look at ways of improving the network – including the extensions.

Previous ideas, which included running street trams linking areas such as Newcastle’s West End and Washington with the Metro were ruled out by the Government four years ago as too expensive.

Also on the back-burner is the dream of reopening the Blyth and Tyne line, between Newcastle and south east Northumberland, to passenger trains after more than 40 years.

It will take at least five years before any new proposals come forward and, in the meantime, Nexus director general Bernard Garner will spell out more immediate plans at a meeting of Newcastle City Council on Wednesday.

Mr Garner will update councillors on progress on the Metro reinvigoration project and future opportunities.

“The reinvigoration project is being taken forward to ensure Metro continues to deliver a high-quality service in the future and provide the springboard from which ambitious plans for the region can be developed,’’ he said.

A Nexus spokesman said: “The Metro gets people into and around the city easily – to work, study and to spend their leisure time.

“It provides the backbone of the public transport system and makes a massive contribution to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Tyne & Wear.

“We’re still in talks with the Government about the details of our business case, but we’re optimistic we’ll hear something in the next few months.

“If we are able to secure the future of the existing Metro system it will provide the springboard from which ambitious, high-quality transport plans can be developed and taken forward.

“As Metro is modernised we’ll be looking at improving connections with buses, extending park-and-ride to reflect modern lifestyles and, subject to detailed evaluation, possible future extensions to widen the area it serves.”

Coun David Wood, chairman of the Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Authority, said: “If we are to get people out of their cars we have to offer them a decent alternative, which is why we need to invest in the Metro.

“I hope that in the years to come we can look towards extensions of the system as part of the overall package.’’



wonder what these planned extensions will be? clearly they won't be happening for another decade at the very earliest. i think the most pressing case is a West End extension, what form that would take (loop line, cut and cover, streem running trams) i dont know. next best option would be a line down through Gateshead's durham road to Washington. two easier options that would also make sense are integrating the NR line along to Blaydon into the Metro system, with some slight alterations, and also the line up to the wansbeck valley, though this will be better served with heavy rail.

Places that i feel need to be extended to are:

West End Newcastle
South Shields to Sunderland direct
To Metrocentre
To Washington
South Sunderland

Places that i feel need to be extended to are:

West End Newcastle
South Shields to Sunderland direct
To Metrocentre
To Washington
South Sunderland

South Sunderland would be very easy to accomplish as the line down to ryhope is already in place. then new build could curve round for a few stops around doxford park.

extending to the metro centre makes sense too but it would ideally continue along to blaydon and maybe even ryton. then a new bridge could be built to go over to tyne at newburn or lemington, linking in to any new line going through the west end.

I still want to find out if the option of extending the tunnels from St James Park is being safeguarded in the brewery / science city plans. The last thing we want is to finally get the funding to extend the tunnels but be prevented from doing so by the foundations of some new building on the brewery site.

thats good to hear expansions plans are up and running.

I am constanly amazed that there's no rail connection to the Team valley (the main line runs past it!) the could run a line along the edge of the ECML from Gateshead central with 3 stops on the team valley.

Something into the West end would be great and this train running out to Ashington and Morpeth proves how easy it would be to open that line up to passengers again.:)

With all this talk of expansion can I please make one SMALL request?

I would like a new station to be built right outside of my house for use by Mr & Mrs Hollow Man ONLY.

Not so much to ask is it?

No congestion fee, no transport cash

Jun 10 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
Richard Hibbert, Group Manager of the Regeneration Directorate Strategic Planning and Transportation for Newcastle City Council.

TRANSPORT experts in Newcastle have warned that Tyneside is unlikely to see the huge investment in public transport set for Manchester because the Government will only hand out the cash if council leaders promise to introduce road pricing.

The five Tyne and Wear authorities are working on a combined Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) project which could have seen them introduce road pricing in order to reduce congestion on city centre routes.

But when Newcastle council leader John Shipley announced in March that the council would definitely not be bringing in any form of congestion charge, the chance of accessing billions of pounds worth of transport cash was effectively lost.

And last night the man responsible for running the TIF scheme said the region was facing a Catch-22 situation.

Newcastle council officer Richard Hibbert said: “We would like more investment in the region but when that is made conditional on having a congestion charge, and our work shows that would not be good value for Tyne and Wear, then we are a little bit trapped.”

The Government’s TIF funding has been criticised by opposition MP’s as a way of “blackmailing” councils into introducing road charging.

And last night Mr Shipley admitted that the North East was now unlikely to see the same £2.8bn of investment which the Government yesterday announced for Manchester.

He said: “They could not afford to spend that amount of money across the country.

“I still belive we were right to rule out congestion charging. I have grave doubts about the effect of congestion charging. There is a real risk that investment is driven out by such policies.

“In Tyne and Wear it would have cost £100m to introduce and cost £40m a year just to keep it running.

“And for all that money it would simply act as a drain on the economy.

“It would be a massive blunder to introduce congestion charging here.”

With road pricing ruled out, the group is now considering introducing car-share lanes on busy routes such as the Western Bypass.

The Tyne and Wear TIF project, titled People in Motion, has already considered introducing compulsory parking charges for city centre businesses and higher parking fees for less environmentally friendly cars.

They have also looked at closing some access and exit junctions on the Western Bypass, with experts believing a large part of the route’s congestion problem is down to too many people making short trips along the road.

Mr Hibbert said the Manchester announcement would not have a big impact on the region’s transport plans., adding: “There are things that came out of our TIF work that are starting to happen; the park and ride proposals for example, which will have an impact on congestion.”

A Department of Transport spokeswoman said: “We are already investing more than £2bn in 2008/09 in local and regional transport improvements through local transport plans and regional funding allocations.”

Bullying claim over road charge

THE Government yesterday outlined its support for a congestion charge on motorists entering and leaving Greater Manchester.

Ministers were accused of bullying the city’s residents into accepting a congestion charge as the Government gave its backing to a £2.8bn transport scheme.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said 30,000 future jobs in the area were believed to be at risk if traffic problems there were not resolved.

The peak-hour charge, based on a city centre and an outer ring road band, would go alongside 22 miles of new Metrolink routes as well as improved bus rail and cycling facilities, she told MPs. In a Commons statement, she said there would be a public consultation, with a final bid expected to be submitted for ministerial approval in the autumn.

"Greater Manchester’s proposals demonstrate their determination to develop innovative approaches to tackling congestion," she said.

But shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers said people were being told that unless they accepted the congestion charge, they would not get any of the extra money for improving public transport.

"This is bullying, pure and simple," she said.


tbh if the govt guarantee to fund a Metro expansion in return for introducing a congestion zone, i'd snap their hands off! however if they refuse to fund improvements on the basis of lacking a congestion charge, then it is both petty and counter-productive.

i do wonder if a CZ could be introduced that covers both the city-centre and the metro-centre. just covering the former would harm the retail core as people try to avoid paying.

The article is right. It is complete blackmail and bullying; NewcastleGateshead & Sunderland shouldn't introduce road pricing, and they should stand alongside other cities in protest against this ridiculous corrupt idea. Unfortunately Manchester has fallen for it; while the transport improvements are good, it's just so pathetic how it has been done.

I hope Labour go at the next election; having said that, I don't like Tory either. I've decided to vote LD because they're the only party promising a new high speed rail network and devolution. I don't think they'll get in but although I've traditionally supported Labour (and LD equally), what they've done with transport is a sham- a national embarrasment. I refuse to support a government that blackmails our cities.

Newcastle city centre just isnt strong enough to prosper with a congestion charge covering the city-centre but nowhere else. there is a risk businesses would relocate to the dozens of business parks in the conurbation, and of course shoppers may just head to the metro-centre. if we must raise more cash from car traffic, then some alternative schemes should be looked at.

I agree that the LD probably represent the best hope for transport. just cant see them doing anything, and the tories will more than likely be worse when it comes to funding, and far more autocentric than Labour.

Didn't Durham succesfully introduce one before London? So if Durham can... not that I'm saying Newcastle should.

LD are the only party that have transport on their front page, and actually set out specific plans for transport. Full electrification + devolution + high speed rail to commence immediately = good choice. Yes Conservatives would probably be even more centralised. I'm not really one to promote a specific party- I'm pretty neutral and make judgements as fair. On the issue of transport, LD are the best by far.

Didn't Durham succesfully introduce one before London? So if Durham can... not that I'm saying Newcastle should.

LD are the only party that have transport on their front page, and actually set out specific plans for transport. Full electrification + devolution + high speed rail to commence immediately = good choice. Yes Conservatives would probably be even more centralised. I'm not really one to promote a specific party- I'm pretty neutral and make judgements as fair. On the issue of transport, LD are the best by far.

yes, but Durham's relationship to Newcastle is kind of like how Harrogate is to Leeds, a posh commuter town, which also has a big university as well. it is out of the way enough and has no competition in the immediate vicinity so i guess it can get away with it.

yes, but Durham's relationship to Newcastle is kind of like how Harrogate is to Leeds, a posh commuter town, which also has a big university as well. it is out of the way enough and has no competition in the immediate vicinity so i guess it can get away with it.

Durham 'Posh' have you ever been :lol:? the only reason a congestion charge works there is because its only during selected times and its only on a minor street up to the castle its still quite easy to drive into the City Centre and Park with out going near the congestion zone.

I'm unsure though that charges would work in Newcastle there is so much land surrounding the city it would be easy for a firm to relocate and as mentioned the metro centre would suck the shoppers away.

However if the transport money came first it could be possible to build enough park and ride schemes to make the charging work. Still would trust the Libs in Newc as far as I could throw them completely different from the national lot.

Restored rail plan wins top support

Jun 12 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

A SENIOR Government minister has further raised hopes that a long-running campaign to restore passenger trains on a Northumberland freight line is set to end in success.

Transport Minister Tom Harris is to visit the county in the next few weeks to have a first hand look at the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne line and what it will take to bring it back into use for passenger services.

Mr Harris gave the pledge to Wansbeck MP Denis Murphy in the wake of three highly-successful trips along the line on Saturday by a special Northern Rail passenger train commissioned by the South-East Northumberland Rail Users Group (SENRUG).

More than 300 people were on board the train, which was chartered in a bid to prove that the line is fully operational and ready to take passenger services, eventually running between Newcastle and Ashington.

Campaigners say the first phase of the ABT re-opening – which would introduce a service between Morpeth and Bedlington Station via Choppington – can be achieved for as little as £4.1m.

Yesterday Mr Murphy, who was on board Saturday’s train, said he had an “extremely positive” meeting with Mr Harris at which the minister promised to see the line for himself.

Said Mr Murphy: “He was very supportive and says he will do everything he can to assist it. I believe he wants to help because he knows that phase one of the scheme is so achievable. Once that happens there will be tremendous pressure to get trains running to Ashington.

“SENRUG has done a fantastic job on this and should be congratulated. I am now quite optimistic that trains can be running on the first phase of the ABT line within 12 months or so. Saturday was a clear demonstration that, with very little extra investment other than in stations, this line can be re-opened.

“I am now going to try to organise a conference for all of the people and agencies interested to see if we can get an action plan in place with some timings to deliver the project.”

Passenger trains on the ABT line were axed as part of the Beeching cuts of the 1960s but campaigners say its re-opening would provide a major transport boost for towns like Ashington, Blyth and Bedlington by linking them by rail to Newcastle.

It is planned that the first phase would extend the current Northern Rail service between the MetroCentre, Newcastle and Morpeth to take in Bedlington Station, via Choppington. The second phase would involve extending the service to Ashington and then to a new station at Woodhorn, with a third phase to reopen the line completely.

Yeah I didn't really mean that though. You said that a congestion charge wouldn't work in Newcastle as it's not strong enough- so I'm saying that if Durham can have one, which isn't as economically strong as Newcastle, then I think Newcastle could have one sustainably (if it had to). I don't think that's the answer in Newcastle though.

The real answer is solid public transport investment, not silly congestion charging initiatives. Metro extensions linked to P&R is the answer that doesn't fail. Could the Metro be changed to a lighter rail system using trams, so that the Metro can run on-street where necessary?

Yeah I didn't really mean that though. You said that a congestion charge wouldn't work in Newcastle as it's not strong enough- so I'm saying that if Durham can have one, which isn't as economically strong as Newcastle, then I think Newcastle could have one sustainably (if it had to). I don't think that's the answer in Newcastle though.

Yeah but the congestion charging zone in Durham covers one street effectively semi pedestrianising the route up to the castle. This has little or no economic effects.

The real answer is solid public transport investment, not silly congestion charging initiatives. Metro extensions linked to P&R is the answer that doesn't fail. Could the Metro be changed to a lighter rail system using trams, so that the Metro can run on-street where necessary?

Completely agree public transport is the answer, and yes it could be changed, there were plans a couple of years ago think it was called project orifice or something to replace the rolling stock with tram trains and extend into the West end of the city.

The fairest way to introduce any kind of driving tax would surely to raise the taxes on Petrol then people who drove more miles or in less fuel efficient cars would pay more than those that only drove short journeys. With the extra revenue being ring fenced for use on only public transport schemes.

Howcome that plan failed? Pity the NE doesn't have an assembly.

I don't really think a driving tax is necessary. Public transport has got more expensive, driving has got cheaper. I don't think the answer is to make driving more expensive though- I think many people who drive would be happy to use public transport if the provision was there. Public transport just needs to be cheaper most importantnly, and more extensive/frequent/reliable. Reliability is often hampered by increasing and unpredictable traffic levels- it's one big circle that needs breaking. A congestion charge doesn't improve public transport, nor does it cut congestion because people still have to travel. They just have to travel at a higher cost.

Howcome that plan failed? Pity the NE doesn't have an assembly.

I don't really think a driving tax is necessary. Public transport has got more expensive, driving has got cheaper. I don't think the answer is to make driving more expensive though- I think many people who drive would be happy to use public transport if the provision was there. Public transport just needs to be cheaper most importantnly, and more extensive/frequent/reliable. Reliability is often hampered by increasing and unpredictable traffic levels- it's one big circle that needs breaking. A congestion charge doesn't improve public transport, nor does it cut congestion because people still have to travel. They just have to travel at a higher cost.

:eek::eek::eek:

Here's a pic I just found on Flickr. Quite impressive how they're just erecting the steelwork of the new building over the existing station!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3042/2553465650_b0931ca091.jpg?v=0

After finding the pic above I carried on looking for updates on this project and found these new renders of the new interior of the station at platform level on Nexus' website:

https://www.twpta.gov.uk/wps/wcm/resources/file/ebf0650f1464e4d/HaymarketImage1.jpg

https://www.twpta.gov.uk/wps/wcm/resources/file/ebf0670f14a9778/HaymarketImage2.jpg

Very promising indeed. So long as it is finished to a high standard, I think it's gonna look great!

Its looks like a London Underground station due to the curved (tube) walls

Compare the above with this pic of Central station, which is exactly what Haymarket used to look like. It'll be so much more spacious and airy.

http://lh6.google.co.uk/andydshaw/RlOCLOKaugI/AAAAAAAAAEk/FrQmzyBGq7c/Central%20Station%206.jpg?imgmax=576

By the way, these are the last few photos from my web album; this time of Whitley Bay station (when I took these the restoration work hadn't yet been completed):

http://lh3.ggpht.com/andydshaw/RlMKVeKauUI/AAAAAAAAAC8/xvtmAd2hAxM/Whitley%20Bay%201.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh5.ggpht.com/andydshaw/RlOGD-KavgI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ar_9MJRuD40/Whitley%20Bay%202.jpg?imgmax=512

http://lh6.ggpht.com/andydshaw/RlOGHOKavhI/AAAAAAAAAMs/a_-5z_rUj90/Whitley%20Bay%203.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh4.ggpht.com/andydshaw/RlOGMuKaviI/AAAAAAAAAM0/rNX02Kv-5-k/Whitley%20Bay%204.jpg?imgmax=640

http://lh5.ggpht.com/andydshaw/RlOGV-KavjI/AAAAAAAAAM8/HInU1QyXUwo/Whitley%20Bay%205.jpg?imgmax=640

Next time I get back to Newcastle I'll try and get some more.

Metro in line for massive £300m upgrade

Jul 22 2008 by William Green, The Journal


http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/nejournal/mar2008/8/2/EFB56964-CF6F-4A25-9A934DD0EFE07647.jpg

THE REGION is to win £300m of public money to help fund a huge upgrade of the Metro, The Journal can reveal today.

Government transport bosses were last night reticent about the project and said no final decision had been made.

But insiders said they were confident the deal would be confirmed and that an announcement on the scheme was imminent.

Public transport chiefs at Nexus have put forward a £600m modernisation programme for the system, which is nearly 30 years old and used by 40 million people a year.

They have stressed it is the backbone of the transport network and warned that roads would become more congested and city centres “wither” if money was not spent on the Metro.

Phase one of the project is already under way, with more than £50m being spent on a new station at Simonside, rebuilding of Haymarket and Sunderland stations as well as new ticket machines and barriers at key stations from next year.

The Government has provided £13m for ticket machines and barriers, but more than £300m in public funding is now needed for the next phase of work.

Agreement for phase two would allow stations, trains and communication systems to be modernised over nine years from 2010 and long-term maintenance to tunnels and bridges to be carried out.

Beyond 2019, Nexus seeks to replace the trains and signal systems and will work with the Government on this once phase two has been agreed on.

North East Minister Nick Brown said: “I am in close touch with ministers at the department [for transport] and with the chairman and chief executive of Nexus. The Nexus bid is reasonable and I am hoping for a positive outcome very soon.”

Tyne Bridge Labour MP David Clelland said: “I have been involved in the discussions with Nexus and with ministers over the last two to three years and I am very optimistic.

“It is absolutely essential. The Metro system cannot continue without the modernisation programme.”

A Nexus spokesman said the Metro made a huge economic, social and environmental contribution to Tyne and Wear.

He said: “We’re still in talks with Government about the details of our business case, but we’re optimistic we’ll hear something in the near future.” A DfT spokeswoman said: “We are not making an announcement this week. We are due to make an announcement soon, but final decisions are being made.”

Business leaders last night said investment in the Metro was vital for the future of the economy.

Ross Smith, of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is absolutely essential for a city region like Tyne and Wear that we have got an effective public transport system.

“The Metro has been a fantastic asset to the region for three decades now, so to let it just fall out of date would be a serious problem. So the kind of upgrade that has been spoken about is absolutely essential.”

Phase three, which is included in the business plan currently before the Government, covers the introduction of new carriages and starts in 2018. This will cost at least £250m.

For previous stories about plans for a Metro upgrade, click the links below

^^ Good news for Newcastle. Good to see that transport projects are occuring in regional cities.

it is good news that there'll be new rolling stock and refurbished stations, but ideally we need MORE rolling stock and NEW stations!

the cynical side of me thinks that this money will reduce the chances of the govt giving us more dosh for extensions.

I think this is a fantastic step forward. It shows the government is committed to providing a public-sector future for Metro! Be great to see all the stations looking as snazzy as the refurbed Haymarket. I use Chilli Road and that is in dire need of some refurbishment.

I love the black and white parts of the new Haymaret, but the colour combination for the tunnel looks awful!

Part of me though wishes all stations would retain that Yellow and white combination, its just traditional and I like that.

Every time this thread comes up I'm prompted to actually go to Newcastle to ride this system.

I'm really really proud we have this system in our country. It's admired beyond our borders too (yes, including smug European countries where metro/s-bahn is taken for granted).

I think this is a fantastic step forward. It shows the government is committed to providing a public-sector future for Metro! Be great to see all the stations looking as snazzy as the refurbed Haymarket. I use Chilli Road and that is in dire need of some refurbishment.

i wish the station was somehow closer to chilli road itself. hate having to race down that access ramp when i see a metro train at the platform, only to realise that i'll never make it. would be better positioned where those new apts have gone up.

Know what you mean! I have a rule (which seems to work, as long as you have a pass and arent buying a ticket). If you are not level with the signal gantry as the metro approaches... you will not make it. Simple as!

I guess Chillingham Road Metro is a good example of a station that is nowhere useful really (bit like Hadrian Road, or Bede) so they just put really long access paths into it from somewhere that is useful! Really they should have built a sub-surface station under Chilli Road, but that would have cost more. Wouldnt be possible to have the station where the new flats are as thats on the ECML. I'm sure the new flats have really increased ridership and use of the station which is good.

Thats the key thing about having good reliable mass transit. People often say that the amount of development in Newcastle City Centre is poor compared to other cities. But I think Metro had allowed a much more even spread of development across the city. Many of the areas around Metro stations are now finally getting some redevelopment as having mass transit stations nearby really add value and therefore incentive for property developers. Those flats on Chillingham Road would have struggled without the nearby Metro I think as they quite high density for this type of area, they are next to a mainline railway, opposite a noisy pub and on a busy road!!!

^that's a good point, we're blessed with such a system and should be clustering high density development around key stations. this happens to an extent but in north tyneside especially they're still building sprawling suburban cul-de-sacs around the stations (look at that newhousing estate near northumberland park for example)

I really hope this money gets delivered to the Metro. It's a great system and the funding could really make it something amazing.

I'm very glad that Sunderland station will be redeveloped as well. It's a bit run down, it really needs it.

Doesn't the Tyne and Wear Metro use Berlin's old rolling stock? Does that mean that the Metro might acquire Berlin's new trains for use on the system? Or would the money just be spent renovating the current trains?

Berlin's new trains are awesome. I'd love to see one pulling into Monument station some day soon.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/54018146_0458beda9a.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/2238441487_1b8f3081c5.jpg?v=1202087997
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/45/112418532_257d0a1e43.jpg?v=0

They're based on a German design, but were built by MetroCammell (sp?) in Birmingham, according to wikipedia.

Those Berlin U-Bahn units are great, even got TV's in them.

Every time this thread comes up I'm prompted to actually go to Newcastle to ride this system.

I'm really really proud we have this system in our country. It's admired beyond our borders too (yes, including smug European countries where metro/s-bahn is taken for granted).

Have you ridden it yet?

Tis a great system, cant imagine Tyneside without it.