(02 Sep 2026, 7:32 pm)Adrian wrote Cards on the table. What would you rather the money is spent on? I assume that's where this is going, because I'm really not sure why someone who doesn't live or work in Washington/Sunderland would be so opposed to them having a bite of the cherry for once.

Population density is a lazy metric for transport planning. Its static (high rises don't regularly become houses) and it doesn’t take into account transport demand.

You also have to remember that it's not just Washington. Those living south of Sunderland City Centre will have a much faster option into Newcastle. So you can add South Hylton, Ford and Pennywell into your mix.

Crazy how much we're prepared to talk down infrastructure projects. No wonder we've all gotten used to accepting the crumbs we're being fed.

Honestly, I'd love to see this new line being used more for a hub network, which has the potential to open more links. Something like the below:



So it'd be extended to Penshaw instead of Sunderland with a major interchange, including parking, with buses from all the local areas connecting to it so people can get to Newcastle and beyond with a quick change. I think omitting Penshaw right now is just a mistake. Maybe you could build a supermarket and other facilities there if there's space?

From there, build a new BRT from the Washington North station doing the 56 route to the East and heading to the Galleries to the West, with improvements potentially being done to cut some of the corners and major bus prioritisation; ie. making Southwick bus only so North Sunderland, a deprived area, get's something. Any remaining money being spent on the green corridors. 

Missing out Penshaw is just wrong imo; it's a large area with pretty poor public transport and there's now a new Metro line passing by with no sensible spot to connect to the thing. It's imo just parochial issues and Sunderland City Centre must be linked, rather than actually doing what's best for people. There's a reason why 5 double deckers head to Newcastle from Hetton etc and only 2 single deckers around half the North East to Sunderland; people don't want to go to Sunderland.

The money should be spent in Sunderland (Council area) though; without a doubt. Not building trams in the West End or whatever which I've seen mentioned.