(30 Jul 2024, 8:38 pm)Adrian wrote It still has functions as the transport authority for the 5x Tyne and Wear Councils, reporting to NECA, but I think it's looking increasingly likely that it'll be absorbed into NECA. Similar to what South and (I think?) West Yorkshire have done. The lines are becoming increasingly blurred between the two organisations now.
I think a lot of the staff are working directly for NECA at the moment, aside from Metro-related staff remaining with Nexus?
Yeah agreed, mind I haven't heard of anything about Durham and Northumberland joining anytime soon, don't believe it's been discussed at all yet?
Honestly not too sure on who's working for who if I had to be honest though, it's very blurred like you said.
Mind I do think the Metro should stay independent with it's own management and not be ran by NECA directly. It's always been a bit of a conflict of interest having Nexus running the light rail system while supposedly supporting the bus operators who are arguably their competition when they need to make fare revenue. Obviously won't be an issue in the future with franchising, or whatever they choose, but that's years away.