Metro madness now all sorted.

Metro barriers introduced in fight against fare-dodges

11 Jul 2013 08:23

London Underground-style gates are being installed at 13 of the busiest stations on the Tyne and Wear Metro
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Dan Richardson from Nexus checks the new equipment Dan Richardson from Nexus checks the new equipment

It'll soon be all change for passengers on the Metro as testing begins on new barriers to deter fare dodgers.

The London Underground-style gates are being installed at 13 of the busiest stations.

One aim is to reduce fare dodging which costs about £1m a year in lost income.

Inspectors will still travel around the Metro checking tickets, but will focus on suburban stations which don’t have gates.

The switch-on is scheduled to start in September and all the gates should be working by the end of the year.

Acceptance tester Dan Richardson has spent 16 months on the project and he has now begun testing the equipment to make certain everything is working properly.

“I’m very impressed by the system,’’ he said. “It is a necessity for any transport undertaking to have barriers.

“It will help eradicate a lot of fares evasion and anti-social behaviour.’’

The automatic electronic gates will operate at central area stations in Newcastle, Gateshead, North Shields and South Shields.

The move will mean big changes for passengers, and Tyne & Wear transport executive Nexus says the switch-on will be phased to get them used to the new system.

Extra staff will be on hand at stations with gates to assist passengers after the switch-on.

The cost of the gates is around £7.5m which is part of a £24m contract to install 225 new ticket machines in all the Metro’s 60 stations.

The equipment is being supplied by a German company, Scheidt & Bachmann, as part of the 11-year, £389m modernisation of the Metro.

Passengers will ‘touch’ their Pop smartcard on a card reader or insert their paper ticket into the front of the gate to get through to station platforms.

Elderly and disabled passengers are having their gold cards switched to the new system as they come up for renewal.

Those who still have paper gold cards when the gates are switched on, will show them to a member of staff who will let them through.

Metro stations without gates have yellow smartcard validators which passengers with a Pop card must use at the start of the journey so they can get through the barrier if they are leaving at one of the gated stations.

Deputy director general of Nexus, Tobyn Hughes, said: “We are moving closer to the big switch on of Metro’s new automatic ticket gates. This will transform the way people access the Metro system and allow us to reduce fare evasion.

“At the moment we are in the process of testing the gates and training staff on how to operate them. All Metro stations with gates have to be staffed when the gates are operational.

“We will publicise a start date well in advance of the whole system going live.”

Stations where electronic gates will operate are Airport, Jesmond, Haymarket, Monument, Central, St James, Manors and Byker all in Newcastle, along with Gateshead, Heworth, North Shields, South Shields and Chichester.

Source: Evening Chronicle

Does anyone know the official reason the old barriers were removed?
The terminals were kept, but the barriers never seemed operational.

(11 Jul 2013, 8:26 pm)Andreos1 wrote Does anyone know the official reason the old barriers were removed?
The terminals were kept, but the barriers never seemed operational.

I believe it was due to concerns over safety arising from a series of incidents on the London Underground including the Kings Cross Fire of 1987. I suppose having to stick an old-style Metro ticket through the ticket barrier to unlock the turnstile mechanism isn't the most welcoming prospect when you're running away from a fire.

The terminals were kept to assist with crowd control.

I really can't see the new gates being in operation a lot if I'm honest. The reason being that the gates would need to be manned whenever in operation, and to do that, you're going to need to pay someone a wage. Maybe during rush hour or match days at the most...

(11 Jul 2013, 9:44 pm)aureolin wrote I really can't see the new gates being in operation a lot if I'm honest. The reason being that the gates would need to be manned whenever in operation, and to do that, you're going to need to pay someone a wage. Maybe during rush hour or match days at the most...

Over the last six months or so, more 'customer service' staff have been taken on for that very reason. Not sure of the actual number, but I'm sure it was between 10 and 15.

---

Just found the Tyne and Wear Metro's Facebook post in reference to the vacancies.

Looking for a job or a new role? Come and join our Customer Services team, we're recruiting ten Customer Service Advisors. If you’re interested in applying take a look at all the details on our website http://www.nexus.org.uk/recruitment/cust...advisors-0

Link: https://www.facebook.com/273400136012565...1150135316

They were also recruiting last October too.

https://www.facebook.com/273400136012565...3712062569

All kicking off on the @my_metro twitter page.

Electrical supply problems and the Fire Brigade 'allegedly' helping passengers off stranded trains

And on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mymetrotw/posts...6084507300

Originally posted as "There are no trains running between Gateshead and Hebburn and Brockley Whinns in both directions, this is due to a problem with the power supply. We will update you once we have more information.". Since then though, they've had people stuck on hot trains till emergency services turned up, delays all over the rest of the system as a knock on effect, and then buses not accepting Metro tickets/passes. The latest is they're working on getting a Metro replacement (900) service running.

Unfortunately Metro have as much contingency planning as a bar of chocolate in direct sunlight.

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(11 Jul 2013, 9:51 pm)AdamY wrote

(11 Jul 2013, 9:44 pm)aureolin wrote I really can't see the new gates being in operation a lot if I'm honest. The reason being that the gates would need to be manned whenever in operation, and to do that, you're going to need to pay someone a wage. Maybe during rush hour or match days at the most...

Over the last six months or so, more 'customer service' staff have been taken on for that very reason. Not sure of the actual number, but I'm sure it was between 10 and 15.

---

Just found the Tyne and Wear Metro's Facebook post in reference to the vacancies.

Looking for a job or a new role? Come and join our Customer Services team, we're recruiting ten Customer Service Advisors. If you’re interested in applying take a look at all the details on our website http://www.nexus.org.uk/recruitment/cust...advisors-0

Link: https://www.facebook.com/273400136012565...1150135316

They were also recruiting last October too.

https://www.facebook.com/273400136012565...3712062569

Was it Metro recruiting or Nexus? I remember seeing some vacancies a couple of months ago, but they were for Nexus directly. I'd assume it would be Metro staff manning the gates.

(12 Jul 2013, 1:36 pm)Andreos1 wrote All kicking off on the @my_metro twitter page.

Electrical supply problems and the Fire Brigade 'allegedly' helping passengers off stranded trains

Go North East provided two vehicles for the Metro replacement service, Arriva North East provided one, and Kingsleys provided two.
Can't say I saw any fire brigades helping passengers off trains mind...

(12 Jul 2013, 5:57 pm)Daniel wrote

(12 Jul 2013, 1:36 pm)Andreos1 wrote All kicking off on the @my_metro twitter page.

Electrical supply problems and the Fire Brigade 'allegedly' helping passengers off stranded trains

Go North East provided two vehicles for the Metro replacement service, Arriva North East provided one, and Kingsleys provided two.
Can't say I saw any fire brigades helping passengers off trains mind...

Some photos of the train itself at Felling and the guys in orange who came to fix things:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrahamm/9269523519/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielgrahamm/9272308320/

Metro performance is fast becoming a joke. The latest performance report is here. Last 4 (including current) periods: 85.68%, 86.20%, 86.26% and 86.98%.

(12 Jul 2013, 9:37 pm)aureolin wrote Metro performance is fast becoming a joke. The latest performance report is here. Last 4 (including current) periods: 85.68%, 86.20%, 86.26% and 86.98%.

I'm shocked it's still so high. There is at least one disruption every other day, and it usually causes rolling delays to the full network.

(12 Jul 2013, 9:45 pm)Daniel wrote

(12 Jul 2013, 9:37 pm)aureolin wrote Metro performance is fast becoming a joke. The latest performance report is here. Last 4 (including current) periods: 85.68%, 86.20%, 86.26% and 86.98%.

I'm shocked it's still so high. There is at least one disruption every other day, and it usually causes rolling delays to the full network.

I am too a bit. It's amazing what can be done with percentages though. I've dropped them an email and asked for the values behind the percentages, but I can't see them handing the info over.... you don't ask and you don't get though...

(12 Jul 2013, 2:12 pm)aureolin wrote Was it Metro recruiting or Nexus? I remember seeing some vacancies a couple of months ago, but they were for Nexus directly. I'd assume it would be Metro staff manning the gates.

This is what one of status updates links to:

"Customer Service Advisors | Nexus
www.nexus.org.uk
Something exciting is happening on Metro and this is your opportunity to become part of it and join our customer service team. We are currently installing Automatic Ticket Gate lines at many stations across the network and"

It's cuts off there, and the link (to the vacancy) is now inaccessible. But as it mentions the 'Automatic Ticket Gate' I would presume it would be Nexus staff manning the gates. Nexus employ the Inspectors and this would be an extension of that role.

I did have a PDF of the Job Description (which I was going to post last night) but I must have deleted it. If I come across it, it'll put it on here.

An earlier failed train at Jesmond is causing delays of up to 30 minutes. Nexus are ensuring that we have our daily dosage of Metro madness! ;-)

So far this month:

2nd July - "There are no trains running between Pelaw and South Hylton in both directions until further notice. This is due to a problem with the power supply. Go North East are accepting Metro tickets in the affected area. Bus services 9, 26A, 20 operate between Heworth and South Hylton. We will update you as soon as we have more information."

3rd July - "There are minor delays to trains running between South Gosforth and St James due to a failed train. Please leave extra time for your journey."

5th July - "Sunderland is closed and no trains will be stopping at the station until further notice. This is due to a station defect. A bus replacement service, the number 901 is in operation calling at or near to all stations between Park Lane and St. Peters. We will update you once we have more information"

6th July - "There are minor delays to trains running between South Shields and St James due to a train being withdrawn from service. Please leave extra time for your journey."

7th July - "There are minor delays to trains running between Shiremoor and South Shields due to a failed train. Please leave extra time for your journey."

8th July - "A train has been withdrawn from service at Howdon. Due to this we have a gap in the service towards St James. Please leave extra time for your journey if your're travelling in the area."

8th July - "There are minor delays to trains running between The Coast and South Shields due to a failed train. Please leave extra time for your journey."

9th July - "There are minor delays to trains running between South Hylton and Pelaw due to a failed train. Please leave extra time for your journey."

9th July - "Due to the extreme heat there are minor delays to services system wide. Metro apologise."

9th July - "There are major delays to trains running between Heworth and South Shields and South Hylton due to a technical fault. Please leave extra time for your journey."

12th July - "There are no trains running between Gateshead and Hebburn and Brockley Whinns in both directions, this is due to a problem with the power supply. We will update you once we have more information."

13th July - "A train has been withdrawn from service at South Gosforth. Due to this we have a gap in the service towards St James. Please leave extra time for your journey if your're travelling in the area."

13th July - "A train has been withdrawn from service at South Shields. Due to this we have a gap in the service towards St James. Please leave extra time for your journey if your're travelling in the area."

13th July - "There are minor delays to trains running between Airport and Regent Centre due to a train being withdrawn from service. Please leave extra time for your journey."

14th July - "There are major delays to trains running between Haymarket and Airport and The Coast due to a failed train. Please leave extra time for your journey."

14th July - "The Metro service is suspended between Haymarket and Jesmond in both directions due to a failed Train. Arriva Buses are accepting Metro tickets on all their services serving Metro Stations, and Go North East service 27 accepting Metro tickets between Newcastle City Centre and Pelaw. Metro apologise for the inconvenience."

14th July - "A train has been withdrawn from service at South Shields. Due to this we have a gap in the service towards Tynemouth. Please leave extra time for your journey if your're travelling in the area"

14th July - "We have delays towards South Shields and South Hylton caused by a train being taken out of service. Trains are running to all destinations."

16th July - "Minor delays to trains from Manors - Monkseaton due to a failed train."

17th July - "Minor delays to trains from Jesmond - Airport and The Coast due to a failed train."

17th July - "Delays South Shields-The Coast & Airport-South Hylton."

18th July - "There are no trains running between Monument and South Shields and Monument and Brockley Whins in both directions until further notice . This is due to problem with the overhead line. Go North East, bus service number 27 are accepting Metro tickets in the affected area. We will update you as soon as we have more information."

19th July - "There are minor delays to trains running between St. Peters and Airport due to a technical fault. Please leave extra time for your journey."

20th July - "There are major delays to trains running between West Jesmond and Airport and The Coast due to a failed train. Please leave extra time for your journey."

20th July - "There are major delays to trains running between South Shields and South Hylton and Airport and The Coast due to a failed train. Please leave extra time for your journey."

22nd July - "There are major delays to trains running between Monument and South Shields and South Hylton due to a failed train. Please leave extra time for your journey."

22nd July - "There are no trains running between Monument and Pelaw in both directions until further notice . This is due to a failed train. Bus replacement 900 is running between Monument and Pelaw. Go North East are accepting Metro tickets in the affected area. Bus services 57,58,27 operate between Monument and Pelaw. We will update you as soon as we have more information."

(13 Jul 2013, 3:44 pm)aureolin wrote 5th July - "Sunderland is closed and no trains will be stopping at the station until further notice. This is due to a station defect. A bus replacement service, the number 901 is in operation calling at or near to all stations between Park Lane and St. Peters. We will update you once we have more information"

What was the point in this bus replacement?!

(15 Jul 2013, 2:41 pm)idiot wrote

(13 Jul 2013, 3:44 pm)aureolin wrote 5th July - "Sunderland is closed and no trains will be stopping at the station until further notice. This is due to a station defect. A bus replacement service, the number 901 is in operation calling at or near to all stations between Park Lane and St. Peters. We will update you once we have more information"

What was the point in this bus replacement?!

I'd say there's not a lot, as there's more than enough buses go from park lane/that area towards st peters. I guess the only problem would be potential distance for wheelchair users coming from South Hylton and wanting to continue further north.

(15 Jul 2013, 2:41 pm)idiot wrote

(13 Jul 2013, 3:44 pm)aureolin wrote 5th July - "Sunderland is closed and no trains will be stopping at the station until further notice. This is due to a station defect. A bus replacement service, the number 901 is in operation calling at or near to all stations between Park Lane and St. Peters. We will update you once we have more information"

What was the point in this bus replacement?!

I don't believe it was ever organised. That, or the so called replacement only managed one run.

No mention of it on their Twitter, but a Metro's brakes failed (or something along those lines) near Northumberland Park today. The train was subsequently taken away - presumably by one of those crafty little van things.
My mum was on the train at the time and told me some 'minor delays' were reported afterwards

(15 Jul 2013, 8:08 pm)Daniel wrote No mention of it on their Twitter, but a Metro's brakes failed (or something along those lines) near Northumberland Park today. The train was subsequently taken away - presumably by one of those crafty little van things.
My mum was on the train at the time and told me some 'minor delays' were reported afterwards

It's becoming embarrassing really. I'd hate to still have to rely on it for work. I know they tried to blame having x amount of trains out of service for refurbishment at one point, but still, such a programme shouldn't be at the detriment of the customers.

Once again, im glad i don't use the metro daily..


Tyne and Wear Metro
45 minutes ago
Trains are running to all destinations but with delays between South Shields and The Coast and between Airport and South Hylton, this is due to a failed train.

This was posted at around 10:15 am this morning

(17 Jul 2013, 8:59 am)Michael wrote Once again, im glad i don't use the metro daily..


Tyne and Wear Metro
45 minutes ago
Trains are running to all destinations but with delays between South Shields and The Coast and between Airport and South Hylton, this is due to a failed train.

This was posted at around 10:15 am this morning

Why don't they just say system wide delays?

I've started updating the list above with any other delays posted. We'll see how big the list is come the end of the month.

(17 Jul 2013, 9:23 am)aureolin wrote

(17 Jul 2013, 8:59 am)Michael wrote Once again, im glad i don't use the metro daily..


Tyne and Wear Metro
45 minutes ago
Trains are running to all destinations but with delays between South Shields and The Coast and between Airport and South Hylton, this is due to a failed train.

This was posted at around 10:15 am this morning

Why don't they just say system wide delays?

No idea, Ive only used the Metro a few times and i hated it but if i ever got a job, after recent problems i would never use it haha

I try to use the Northern Rail train service between Sunderland and Newcastle as much as I can, rather than the Metro.
It's when the Metros actually delay the Northern Rail services when I get extremely annoyed.

Does anyone else think that the modernisation programme has been largely mis-handled thus far?

Is there any point in refurbishing trains of which some are allegedly beyond treatment, while others are nearing the end of their life-span and are due for replacement within the next 10-15 years?

How do you think the £385 million should have been spent received for modernisation should have been spent?

For me, it should have been spent on new rolling-stock and new extensions. One extension, in my opinion, that could have been achieved relatively cheaply is the South Shields to Sunderland link. Looking at this map, you can see how easily it could be achieved. Whether people would use the service is an entirely different argument, but this new link does feature in Nexus' long-term planning for the Metro.

It's all stuff that should have been done gradually instead of applying a big bang approach over the last couple of years. The system was completely neglected apart from the Sunderland extension (which was the cheap option anyway).

I'm glad they spent the money on the ticket barriers and ticket machines. The fact we still had a system in 2010 onwards that only took change was becoming a bit laughable. I know the decision to refurbish the Metrocars has baffled a lot of folk. To me it seems pointless refurbishing something that's past it's useful life. Surely it would be better spent pushing and pushing for the extra funding to replace the trains altogether. I don't think they would have refurbished if they expected to have new Metrocars running this side of the next 10 years, but hey, that's just speculation.

One decision that I see as a gross waste of money was the £7,000,000 decision to refurbish Sunderland station. It's not even owned by Nexus. It's like me speaking to my neighbour and offering to refurbish his whole house. It just wouldn't happen.

According to a Nexus member of staff, the whole metro system is off. I'm at Gateshead now and everyone is being told to use buses. Apparently it's an "incident", and "confidential" when I asked what exactly.

The above mentioned incident turned out to be this;

"There are no trains running between Monument and South Shields and Monument and Brockley Whins in both directions until further notice . This is due to problem with the overhead line. Go North East, bus service number 27 are accepting Metro tickets in the affected area. We will update you as soon as we have more information.".

It started at approx 13.55, and the latest is;

"UPDATE: Trains are running between: Pelaw-South Hylton, Monument-Airport, Monument-St James at about a 15 minute frequency and Heworth and South Shields at about a 10 minute frequency.
There are no trains running between Monument and Heworth in both directions until further notice. This is due to a problem with the overhead line.

We do not anticipate that the line between Monument and Heworth will re-open tonight. We suggest customers make alternative travel arrangements if they can.

A replacement bus service 900 is running, calling at or close to all stations between Monument and Heworth. Go North East, bus service number 27 are accepting Metro tickets in the affected area."

I can't recall a time that Metro has had such unplanned downtime? From 2pm till what looks like the next morning - and that's an "if" at that.

I don't mind if the Metro is off for a reason, because at the end of the day, it probably can't be helped. It's just the way they deal with it (and the fact it's now happening nearly EVERY day!)

Being told "Metro's off, you know?" by staff at the station doesn't really help. They should also learn which buses actually serve stations during the day and at other times - for example, when it was off in Sunderland a few days ago, according to the NEXUS website, the 26A could be used as a replacement - erm... isn't that just an evening service on weekdays?

Also, staff should be saying tickets can only be used on, for example, the 27 between Heworth and Newcastle. Passengers boarding the X9 today were turned away at Heworth, with the driver being described as "just being awkward" - at the end of the day, tickets aren't being accepted on other services and staff should tell people who probably don't know the buses as well this information.