MPS CALL FOR METRO SUMMIT
Two Wearside MPs are demanding an urgent meeting with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling about investment in the Metro.
Sunderand Central’s Julie Elliot and Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, are among ten signatories to a letter calling for action.
“Nexus needs to go to the market this year if it is to have any chance of introducing new Metro trains in 2021, and it can only do so if the Government is prepared to stand behind it financially.
“We request an urgent meeting with you to discuss the Metro and the steps you plan to make to assist Nexus. The Metro’s importance to residents, businesses and general daily life in our constituencies is too great to be put to one side.”
Julie Elliott said: “The regular disruption Metro users are suffering while going to work or travelling around the region highlights just how badly investment is needed, particularly in replacing the near 40-year-old fleet of trains.
“As the Echo reported earlier this month, Sunderland will receive upwards of £1.3billion investment in the coming years to regenerate our city. To fully benefit from this investment and for Sunderland to fulfil its potential it is critical that our public transport, including the Metro system, is fit for purpose.
“In 2016, six times more was spent on transport in London per head of population compared with the North East. This cannot be allowed to continue. The needs of Metro users in Sunderland and the wider region must not be ignored by the Tory Government any longer.”
Sharon Hodgson said: “Countless daily reports show just how crucial it is for the Government to stump up the funding to upgrade the much dilapidated Metro network in Tyne and Wear, not only to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for commuters but also for future extension of the line to Washington – as I have campaigned for many years now.”
“The needs of Metro users region must not be ignored” JULIE ELLIOTT