The Tyne and Wear Metro first opened in August 1980 and gradually expanded to the current network serving Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, North & South Tyneside, and Sunderland. It is estimated that over 36 million passenger journeys were made in 2018/19 making it the third most used light rail system after Docklands Light Rail and Manchester Metrolink.
Details of the Day
The day began at 12:00 with a buffet lunch, followed by talks outlining the future modernisation and network expansion. Members had the opportunity to also see a mock-up of the new rolling stock.
The programme for the day was:
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Welcome by Paul Rowen LRTA Chair
13:05 Presentation by Sarah McManus, New Fleet Project Manager (MetroFutures)
13:45 Transport by bus to the new Depot Site
14:00 See the new depot works from a viewing platform and look over the mock-up of the new vehicle Driver’s cab
15:00 Travel the T&W Metro system at your leisure, a prepaid ticket will be provided by Nexus
Presentation by Sarah McManus, New Fleet Project Manager (MetroFutures)
The event was held in the Hilton Newcastle – Gateshead, Bottle Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE8 2AR.