Tyne and Wear Metro
Tyne and Wear Metro
![[Image: 733796_524257804327117_12085084_n.png]](https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/733796_524257804327117_12085084_n.png)
From: Simon Laing via Campaigns by You [mailto:campaignsbyyou@38degrees.org.uk]
Sent: 21 January 2014 14:21
To:
Subject: Save Our Metro - Next Steps
Dear Petitioners,
I must apologise for not being in touch for so long. We had an interesting meeting with Nexus a couple of months ago and we talked about the many issues you have raised. After the meeting three things really did stand out:
1. Nexus are aware of the problems with the system and are working to resolve them. Many of you will have noticed slightly improved service of late as some of these issues have been dealt with. However despite prolonged periods of unacceptable service, by their own admission, there has been no offer of compensation to passengers. We feel a one month credit to season ticket holders would be a good gesture of goodwill, but this is not being considered. This seems unfair and could be a breach of the terms of service we agree to when we buy a ticket.
2. The relationship between Nexus and DB Regio seems to be good, but accountability by TWITA is VERY poor. Nobody at TWITA is asking questions about performance and TWITA refuse to comment on the long-run of poor service before Christmas. In fact the only public comment we have received states that they think Metro provides a ‘high level of service’. It would seem TWITA is completely out of touch, despite being a board of elected representatives. The fact there is no passenger representation on the TWITA board is quite evident. This needs to change.
3. Passenger consultation and engagement is poor at both Nexus and DB Regio. The ‘Meet the Manager’ events are a token effort, but the timing and format does not encourage participation of regular users (eg. commuters). We stressed that establishing a Metro Passenger Group should be a top priority for Nexus.
It must be noted that Nexus and DB Regio are very willing to talk and in our view seem very responsive to ideas and suggestions. However it's important that forums for passengers to communicate with Metro managers in a structured and timely fashion be made available. It is not appropriate for them to only communicate when things are so poor a petition is started.
**What Next**
Once we reach 1000 signatures, it will be time to present the petition. As stated in the original aims, our petition will be sent to the Department for Transport and we will await their response. However, once the petition is submitted, we must immediately begin lobbying Nexus for a Metro Passenger Group which has:
• A regular forum or Metro Passenger Group through which a representative group of passengers can communicate with Metro senior managers. This must include commuters and young people amongst other users.
• A seat for the Metro Passenger Group on any committees and boards where key decisions affecting metro passengers are made
• A commitment from Nexus to support the continuation of the Metro Passenger Group and to assist in the administration of its formation and ongoing activities.
It's vital such a forum be established to ensure that Metro are listening to passengers at all times.
Don't forget to share the petition with friends, details are shown below.
Best Wishes
Simon - saveourmetro@hotmail.co.uk
There's been a lot of talk lately about the petition to bring the Tyne and Wear Metro to Washington, but at the same time, not a lot has been said about the 'Save Our Metro' petition - it's now 5 signatures away from 1,000.
Petition link: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/v...-and-twita
They're also on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/savemetrocampaign
Latest email I received:
From: Simon Laing via Campaigns by You [mailto:campaignsbyyou@38degrees.org.uk]
Sent: 21 January 2014 14:21
To:
Subject: Save Our Metro - Next Steps
Dear Petitioners,
I must apologise for not being in touch for so long. We had an interesting meeting with Nexus a couple of months ago and we talked about the many issues you have raised. After the meeting three things really did stand out:
1. Nexus are aware of the problems with the system and are working to resolve them. Many of you will have noticed slightly improved service of late as some of these issues have been dealt with. However despite prolonged periods of unacceptable service, by their own admission, there has been no offer of compensation to passengers. We feel a one month credit to season ticket holders would be a good gesture of goodwill, but this is not being considered. This seems unfair and could be a breach of the terms of service we agree to when we buy a ticket.
2. The relationship between Nexus and DB Regio seems to be good, but accountability by TWITA is VERY poor. Nobody at TWITA is asking questions about performance and TWITA refuse to comment on the long-run of poor service before Christmas. In fact the only public comment we have received states that they think Metro provides a ‘high level of service’. It would seem TWITA is completely out of touch, despite being a board of elected representatives. The fact there is no passenger representation on the TWITA board is quite evident. This needs to change.
3. Passenger consultation and engagement is poor at both Nexus and DB Regio. The ‘Meet the Manager’ events are a token effort, but the timing and format does not encourage participation of regular users (eg. commuters). We stressed that establishing a Metro Passenger Group should be a top priority for Nexus.
It must be noted that Nexus and DB Regio are very willing to talk and in our view seem very responsive to ideas and suggestions. However it's important that forums for passengers to communicate with Metro managers in a structured and timely fashion be made available. It is not appropriate for them to only communicate when things are so poor a petition is started.
**What Next**
Once we reach 1000 signatures, it will be time to present the petition. As stated in the original aims, our petition will be sent to the Department for Transport and we will await their response. However, once the petition is submitted, we must immediately begin lobbying Nexus for a Metro Passenger Group which has:
• A regular forum or Metro Passenger Group through which a representative group of passengers can communicate with Metro senior managers. This must include commuters and young people amongst other users.
• A seat for the Metro Passenger Group on any committees and boards where key decisions affecting metro passengers are made
• A commitment from Nexus to support the continuation of the Metro Passenger Group and to assist in the administration of its formation and ongoing activities.
It's vital such a forum be established to ensure that Metro are listening to passengers at all times.
Don't forget to share the petition with friends, details are shown below.
Best Wishes
Simon - saveourmetro@hotmail.co.uk
