(07 Nov 2013, 4:57 pm)Tom wrote http://www.nexus.org.uk/news/item/metros-new-ticket-gates-are-switched - No doubt this will be another to add to Metro's list of excuses when services are delayed.

(07 Nov 2013, 5:11 pm)Dan wrote http://www.nexus.org.uk/metro/guide-metro/guide-using-gates-and-validators

Will staff be on hand from 5am until 1am for U16 POP card users and those who require a staff member to open the gate for them, if they cannot use the gates by 'touching in' or 'touching out' yet?

(07 Nov 2013, 8:25 pm)tyresmoke wrote When no staff are present the gates will have to be open for safety reasons.

(07 Nov 2013, 8:30 pm)Dan wrote Doesn't really help when it comes to fare evasion though, does it?

(07 Nov 2013, 8:40 pm)tyresmoke wrote It doesn't but unless they're going to staff every station for the entire operating hours?

17 November 2013 - No trains Monument - Heworth until 12.30pm on Sunday 17 November
Sunday 17 November - No trains will be running between Monument and Heworth until about 12.30pm, to allow for overhead line maintenance. A bus replacement service number 900 will be calling at or close to all stations in the affected area.
Your journey may take longer so please leave extra time. We're sorry for any inconvenience.
- Bus replacement timetable
- Bus replacement stopping points

(17 Nov 2013, 9:29 am)Tom wrote Can I ask, what is the whole point of these validators? - There aren't even any gates?

Leaves on the line: A detailed explanation of the issue

We know that Metro customers get hugely frustrated by delays to Metro services, especially when that is caused by low rail adhesion as a result of leaf fall.

Below is a detailed examination of the issues and why the impact of autumn can hamper train services. It is a national problem that affects train companies across the UK.

When leaves fall on to the line, particularly in damp or wet weather, the rolling action of passing wheels compresses them, causing a greasy ‘mulch’ to cover the rail.

This mulch is to rails what ice is to roads. It reduces the adhesion, or ‘co-efficient of friction’ to use the technical term, between wheel and rail. Acceleration must be reduced to prevent the wheel from slipping, and braking distances extended.

If you’re a regular Metro customer, you can probably sense the wheel “slipping” on a train if you’re travelling through an area that’s affected. This is why minor delays are more prevalent during autumn, particularly in the early morning and early evening.

The leaf mulch can also affect the operation of track circuits. Nexus has machinery to address this problem, which operates overnight on key sections of the network, spreading a special cleansing solution on the rails. Known as an RRV (Road Rail Vehicle), the specially adapted Ford Ranger truck travels around the network during the night when no trains are running, in order to treat rails ahead of the morning rush hour.

However, this can only reduce the impact of leaf mulch rather than eliminate it. The mulch is actually Teflon-like, and as hand-scrubbing could not remove all of it, the RRV is also fitted with mechanical rail scrubbers.

Nexus has also invested in Traction Gel Applicators – 5 of these units are strategically installed across the network in known areas of low rail adhesion. When a Metrocar passes over the unit, it automatically dispenses a solution called ‘traction gel’, which improves the friction between the wheel and rail interface.

Hand held applicators are also used by rapid response teams to address other areas of slipping and in an urgent situation where weather conditions change quickly, silica sand is manually applied to the rails.

The number of weeks this can continue for varies from year to year, depending on seasonal weather.

(19 Nov 2013, 3:18 pm)Tom wrote ''Leaf Fall Disruption Explained'' - Read at http://www.nexus.org.uk/metro/guide-metro/leaf-fall-disruption-explained

(19 Nov 2013, 3:18 pm)Tom wrote "The number of weeks this can continue for varies from year to year, depending on seasonal weather."

(23 Nov 2013, 5:06 pm)citaro5284 wrote Fare Changes from January

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/metro-bosses-promise-bring-down-6334555

(23 Nov 2013, 5:14 pm)aureolin wrote Great to see season tickets actually dropping in price.

(24 Nov 2013, 4:02 pm)citaro5284 wrote But is it a case of people buying other tickets having their fares increased, so subside the season tickets?

(24 Nov 2013, 4:06 pm)aureolin wrote I can't really compare. My bus season ticket has risen over 50% in 6 years. Never once seen a decrease?

(24 Nov 2013, 4:42 pm)Dan wrote Same story applies for most things in life though, unfortunately - whether it's a pint of milk, train tickets or indeed gas/electricity.

(27 Nov 2013, 10:30 pm)citaro5284 wrote http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/90618/were-sorry-its-not-good-enough-message-from-metro-boss-over

Normally runs around 80%, that is worse than some mainline train operators - I would have expected it to operate at a higher level than that.

(27 Nov 2013, 10:40 pm)aureolin wrote Scary isn't it. All that money pissed up the wall on a failing system.

(29 Nov 2013, 7:31 pm)cbma06 wrote Metro fares to go up in January:


METRO passengers face a fare hike next year.


Fares on the Tyne and Wear Metro are to be increased by an average of 2.5 per cent from Thursday, January 2.

Metro owner Nexus said the average was below July’s Retail Price Index rate of inflation.

The cost of Metro adult single, day and transfare tickets are being increased by 10p.

A one-zone single ticket goes up from £1.70 to £1.80. A Metro all-zone single goes up from £3.20 to £3.30. An-all zone Daysaver is up from £4.40 to £4.50.

The 2014 Metro fares also include improved discounts for young people and students.

Nexus director general Bernard Garner said: “It is important that during these tough times we give the best value possible to Metro customers.


http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/metro-fares-to-go-up-in-january-1-6283639

(30 Nov 2013, 8:45 pm)citaro5284 wrote Never heard this excuse used before....

There are delays to service between South Shields and The Coast due to passenger loadings after the football match this evening.