(08 Jan 2014, 7:18 pm)Dan wrote Anyone considered that it's possible the entire network would have to see a reduction in frequency to compensate for the introduction of trains to Washington? That, or new stock altogether to replace the current Metrocars?

If you choose the former, buses could seem more attractive to the customer and you're therefore losing out on money with competition gaining more, but if you choose the latter, that's a great deal of expense for a project which you have absolutely no idea whether it'll work or not.

With the transport links being quite good in Washington (a streamlined 10 minute frequency on the very good services, with 15 minute frequencies on others), I really don't see why it'd be necessary.

Don't get me wrong, it'd be nice... Just see it being a waste of time if I'm honest.

(08 Jan 2014, 7:10 pm)aureolin wrote I'm surprised at someone living in Washington not signing the petition if asked to mind. You (or your folks) are already paying for it in the form of an ITA levy via Council Tax. Why pay for something and not fight for it...?

I'd highly doubt the millions in extra infrastructure would lead to a rise in bus fares. It's completely illogical for a business to respond to competition by upping their fares. If someone opened a News Agents next door to another, you wouldn't see the original business respond by upping the price of chocolate bars by 20p would you? Regardless, the millions would only ever come from a government grant. So it'd be in addition to the current ITA budgets.

Reopening of the leamside line, for mixed purpose rather than just Metro, makes perfect sense. The obvious extension of the T&W Metro system, then you have the benefit of additional capacity on the already congested ECML, not to mention the potential of Nissan using rail freight.

P.s: signed.

(08 Jan 2014, 8:24 pm)Adam Malarkey wrote Thing I never use the Metro at all, In 2013 alone I only used it twice off top of my head, to go to Seaburn Bus Rally and about 3 Months ago when I had an Interview in Newcastle on the Morning and then an Ingeus Appointment in Sunderland on the Afternoon, Otherwise I never use it. I always get the Bus as it's Cheaper for me. I can see the Benefits in re-opening the Leamside Line i.e. for Freight for Nissan and The ECML, But in all Honesty even if I did sign the Petition, Which i'm now Considering, would there be any Benefits for me in that by having a Metro Extension into Washington. Would I be able to go from Washington to Sunderland for Less than I would on the 2A/2C or the 8 for Example with Go North East, Maybe it would be Cheaper as a Day Return is £4.40 and Purple/Red Zone Pass is £6.10.

(09 Jan 2014, 4:05 pm)idiot wrote Another bad day for Metro.

Problem at East Boldon this afternoon.

(09 Jan 2014, 4:46 pm)aureolin wrote Metro fault or Network Rail?

(09 Jan 2014, 7:49 pm)idiot wrote Point taken.
Looks bad on Metro though.

(09 Jan 2014, 7:49 pm)idiot wrote Point taken.
Looks bad on Metro though.

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

(23 Jan 2014, 7:43 am)Tom wrote ''Trains are operating to all destinations subject to major delays due to a track fault at Jesmond
Updated at 06:48, Thursday, 23 January 2014''

(23 Jan 2014, 10:44 am)andreos1 wrote @HuwLewisNexus is currently tweeting live news from the ITA meeting.

Haven't seen any mention of how the ITA members work out it is hip to be square or if the fella with the headache has been asked if he wants to try a new drug.

(27 Jan 2014, 2:01 pm)andreos1 wrote Nexus have slapped a 500k fine on DB Regio for failing to meet punctuality targets.
Heard it on local news earlier on.

(27 Jan 2014, 2:37 pm)aureolin wrote Wonder if they'll now admit that public-private partnership has completely failed for Metro.

(27 Jan 2014, 4:54 pm)Dan wrote At this time of day, blocking off 7 seats...

(27 Jan 2014, 6:25 pm)aureolin wrote Never seen one of those before. What does the black text say?

(27 Jan 2014, 7:25 pm)BJ10VUS wrote Driver under instruction

https://twitter.com/HuwLewisNexus/status/431381760199651328

ITA Councillors on hear Metro no longer needs subsidy from local councils, thanks to good management, low maintenance costs & fares growth.