Metro To Be Revitalised By £1/2bn Government Cash Boost
Nick Brown has welcomed today’s announcement of a £580m government grant to modernise the Tyne and Wear Metro network. Transport Minister Sadiq Khan visited Tyneside to confirm the plans, saying the Metro was “an iconic transport system and the lifeblood of the local community”.
Up to £350m will be spent on modernising stations, installing new escalators, renewing track and refurbishing rolling stock. The remainder will pay for maintenance and running costs until 2019.
Nick said: “Today’s announcement safeguards the future of the Tyne and Wear Metro for a generation. The Metro is the envy of other cities and the Government’s commitment reflects the importance of the Metro to our region.
“The Government’s package of over £300m of capital investment will be focussed on what passengers want, transforming the Metro and renewing its world class status resulting in a better service, securing hundreds of jobs and delivering value for money to the tax payer.”