Tyne & Wear Metro to receive investment

Date: 3/2/2010

A total of £580 million is to be invested into the Tyne and Wear Metro, the Department for Transport has revealed.

It is hoped the new funding package will lead to smoother running trains and improved stations.

Tracks and stations will be renewed and greater accessibility will be offered with new lefts and escalators at stations.

Sections of the Metro from South Gosforth to Newcastle city centre and Chillingham Road to Tynemouth will be refurbished in the first three years.

The interchange at Central station in Newcastle will also undergo refurbishment.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan commented that the refurbishment work will be the biggest investment in the future of the Metro system since it opened 30 years ago.

"Passengers can look forward to smoother running trains, upgraded stations and a greater quality of service on existing lines," he said.

"This decision also underlines the government's commitment to maintaining the Metro to 2021," Mr Khan added.

Upgrade works are also due to start on the London Underground's Northern Line.