(25 Mar 2014, 10:39 pm)Tom wrote I agree the Washington link would provide benefits for Network Rail and Nissan, in addition to the metro. However, the only problem I have with these proposed plans, is how it would effect the bus. I'm guessing journey times would be shorter than the X1 owing to the 6 minute frequency at Pelaw, and this would effect the X1 considerably, as the amount of passengers boarding/alighting at Washington is usually high. I'd hate to see such a popular service go downhill because of these extensions to the Metro.

(26 Mar 2014, 10:38 am)gtom wrote Re - those proposals.

They may have said 'all trains will be pulled by magical unicorns' as thats about as likely as this is

(25 Mar 2014, 9:18 pm)marxistafozzski wrote On the news today it was reported Nexus want to extend the Metro

Plans to expand the Tyne and Wear Metro



All in all the plan is for 22 new stations, as the picture above shows the plan is an extension to the West End of Newcastle, also to the MetroCentre, some of it will be street running trams

A new line from Pelaw to South Hylton forming a Wearside/South Tyneside Loop

A new line from South Shields to Doxford Park

A link from Northumberland Park to Silverlink

An extension to Seaham is also part of the plan.

According to the news it will close to 2030 by the time it is complete and will cost somewhere close to a Billion Quid...Where will nexus get that kind of money from to fund it???

What is peoples thoughts, personally I think if there going to come into Co. Durham, then Nexus should look at extending to Blyth, Ashington, Bedlington along the old Blyth and Tyne Line and also to Penshw and Fencehouses* Belmont to make use of the Durham Park and Ride...

I will have probably cashed my heavenly chips in at the big casino in the sky by the time this comes off

*Mr FPP spokesman, would the FPP support a rail service either light or heavy coming your way

(27 Mar 2014, 7:30 pm)NEBCD Malarkey wrote Wonder if eezypeazy came up with this idea.

(26 Mar 2014, 1:02 pm)AdamY wrote Indeed. To crudely paraphrase a friend of mine "I wouldn't wipe my arse with these proposals as they contain so much shit that my arse would end up dirtier than before".

(04 Apr 2014, 12:04 pm)Andreos Constantopolous wrote Has anyone had the email from Nexus re POP Card PAYG trials?

(10 Apr 2014, 5:13 pm)citaro5284 wrote Nexus to close three travelshops, quite surprised at Monument.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-26976473

(10 Apr 2014, 8:12 pm)Dan wrote Hideous delays on the green line this evening. Timetable was non-existent, that's for sure!

(10 Apr 2014, 8:32 pm)aureolin wrote Too dark. Metro apologises.

(13 Apr 2014, 11:41 am)alibill_36 wrote Current farce at Brockley Whins no metros running between here and Pelaw. One just arrived from Sunderland used the crossover and headed back to Sunderland plenty of disgruntled pax knocking about. Spoke to a punter and the driver said some sort of crane has hit a bridge between here Pelaw even the police helicopter is out. Another metro just arrived from Sunderland and caped.

(13 Apr 2014, 1:20 pm)AIG20 wrote This must be a nasty crash if BOTH the A194 is shut (since Stagecoach services 10 and X20 are having to divert) and the Metro trains are suspended. This will be the third nasty crash in the space of two months on the A194 (between Lindisfarne Roundabout and the Mill Lane Hebburn Roundabout).

(01 May 2014, 3:55 pm)Tom wrote due to an ambulance attending.

(06 May 2014, 3:21 pm)Dan wrote 1608 Metro due to turn up at 1625. Love delays.

(06 May 2014, 3:44 pm)BJ10VUS wrote Trains were off between Pelaw and Heworth around half an hour ago due to a "police incident".

TRANSPORT Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has agreed to explore plans to expand the Metro system into Washington.

Proposals to extend the Wearside Metro line and create new stations in Washington, as well as in Doxford, Ryhope and Seaham were revealed earlier this year by transport executive Nexus.

The extension project would require massive investment. Nexus is mid-way through a project to refurbish existing stations, facilities and trains, which is costing £500million.

Mrs Hodgson has now raised the issue with the Transport Secretary in Parliament, and secured his backing for more discussion on the project.

She said: “The Secretary of State will be aware that the rolling stock on Tyne and Wear metro is undergoing refurbishment, but that is little consolation to the residents of Washington who do not even have a station.

“Nexus has recently outlined plans for three stations in Washington as part of an extension to the Metro network, and the North East local enterprise partnership has agreed to undertake the business case.

“Will the Secretary of State commit his officials to working closely with both parties to ensure that the business case is as strong and compelling as it can be?”

Mr McLoughlin replied: “I can give the honourable Lady that assurance. The Newcastle Metro has been running for some time and is now undergoing a desperately needed upgrade.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the original Metro regenerated areas that had been in serious decline. We are always looking at ways in which we can best expand those services.

“I am more than happy for those conversations to take place.”

A petition bearing 1,500 signatures – set up by young campaigner Adam Robson – calling for the Metro to be extended to Washington was also tabled in Parliament this week by Mrs Hodgson.

New stations would include Premier Road, Alnwick Road, Doxford, Ryhope, Seaham, The Galleries and two others in Washington.

There have been calls for years for the Metro system to be extended to Washington and other parts of western Sunderland, perhaps using the mothballed Leamside Line.

Taking the Metro to Doxford Park perhaps by using tram-style vehicles, was also suggested as a way of easing parking congestion at the busy business estate.

There are also plans for new-style Metro trains to run on the routes.