Let's go with Metro ! (Tyne & Wear Metro)

Member Name: alirigby

Product:	Tyne & Wear Metro
Date:	24/04/02 (174 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Efficient, Reliable, Value for money

Disadvantages: stops at midnight, Not great on your own at night (especially as a girl)

Everyone in the North East knows about the metro system, but for the rest of you that don't, let me introduce you...

What is it?
The Tyne and Wear Metro system is operated by Nexus (the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive). It is a rapid light rail system which plays a huge part in the region's public transport network.

History:
Tyne and Wear needed to tackle the region’s poor pubic transport system in the early 1970s. Plans for a new rapid transit system were developed and work began underneath Newcastle city centre in 1974.
The first phase opened between 1980-1984 and since then the system has been extended as far north as the airport and, only opening this month, south to Sunderland.

Where can I use it?
In Tyne and Wear, obviously, but more specifically around Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and North and South Tyneside.

What are the trains like?
The train carriages sit between 60-80 people with additional room for standing (there are plenty of handrails should you be unfortunate enough not to get a seat).
The trains are generally clean and I have never had a problem getting a seat out of rush hours. There are wide doors on either side of the carriages which are opened by pressing a button; the carriages have low floors (level with the platform) to provide easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The seats are relatively comfortable and clean, although I wouldn’t eat my dinner off them! In terms of cleanliness it puts the London Underground to shame!
There are maps inside the carriages and station names are clearly visible from the train when drawing up at a platform.
There is an emergency button to press if needed.
Externally, the carriages are usually bright yellow but are occasionally decorated with art or adverts.

How much does it cost?
Like any public transport system there is a wide variety of fares, passes and discounts. If y
ou are going to travel frequently on the Metro, I would suggest that you contact your local Nexus Travel Centre to find out the best scheme for yourself.
There are ticket machines at all stations from which you can buy a single, return and standard concessionary tickets. Concessions are available for children, students, OAPs and the unemployed. Commuters can purchase monthly or annual season tickets (I don’t think these are discounted) to save them from buying a ticket every day.
The ticket machines do not accept notes, make sure that you have change with you to buy your ticket with.

Price of Newcastle-Sunderland Journeys (buying ticket from machine)
Single: £1.80
Return: £3.20
Cheap Return: £2.70 (travel after 9.30 am).

How often does it operate?
During peak times the trains run every 7-8 minutes and at other times it’s usually every 10 minutes. Trains run less frequently on a Sunday.
The service starts operating around 0535 and finishes around midnight.
I have found the Metro reliable and punctual most of the time, although there have been strikes recently (and there may be more planned) which have disrupted the service.

How safe is it?
As a woman I don’t like to travel on the metro alone at night, but my fiancé doesn’t mind a jot! The stations are well lit with CCTV cameras, there are also help points available (where you press a button and voice answers!). There has been a lot of vandalism on the metro system in recent years and efforts have been made to improve safety and security; more cameras have been installed and staff employed. I think it has improved recently.

Other
There’s no smoking on the metro.
You can’t take a bike on the train, but there are cycle lockers at some stations.

What I would like!
I would like to see the metro running a bit later to cater for Newcastle’s busy nightlife, but that might make the
cabbies frown!
I would also like to see the metro run down to the Quayside and to the Metro Centre (which has a deceiving name considering the metro runs nowhere near!).

Further Info:
For more information visit:
www.nexus.org.uk
www.tyneandwearmetro.co.uk

or call The Tyne and Wear Traveline on: 0870 608 2 608

Summary: