FURY AT CHAOS ON METRO
PASSENGERS FACE MISERY AFTER OVERNIGHT PROBLEM DEVELOPS AT THE FLEET DEPOT
Metro passengers faced a day of misery yesterday after power problems led to the entire service being suspended.
A major fault, which took place before the service was due to start, meant trains were unable to move from the fleet depot, in South Gosforth, Newcastle
Passengers were advised to make alternative travel arrangements, with only the stations between St James and Tynemouth covered by a replacement bus service.
Metro used a battery locomotive to try to bring trains out of the depot to get the service going again, while engineers attempted to repair the power fault.
By late morning, stations all over the network were deserted – leaving people’s travel plans in chaos.
A Metro statement said: “Metro services were suspended system-wide due to a major power supply problem at the depot.
“The issue occurred at 5.30am when a major fault occurred in an electrical sub-station, which meant we were unable to move trains out of the fleet depot in South Gosforth.
“Metro apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Bus services were not accepting Metro tickets because of “capacity issues” – with passengers asked to find other options.
Last night, Metro announced it was resuming operations between some stations. The transport operator tweeted: “There will be a limited service between Benton to Pelaw and Regent Centre to Pelaw. This will start soon, once trains are in position.”
Metro bosses have said they were planning to run a normal service on the system today
At 10.30pm last night a statement from Nexus said: We expect to run a full service tomorrow (Monday). Please check for updates.”
The chaos did not go down well with passengers – with many taking to social media to air their views.
James Lister said: “We need a modernized service with more carriages because the service isn’t fit for purpose.” Andy Pandy added: “The Metro means some bus service are not financially viable and the private operators cut them. Then, when the Metro goes wrong, the private operators are left to get on with it.
“The Metro is a joke has been underinvested in for years. They are more intrested in putting staff on the gates to catch fare dodgers than customer service or investment in rolling stock.”
Elizabeth C au wood added: “This is shocking. How are people supposed to find other forms of transport? It’ s not like there’ s an amazing bus service to Newcastle and back.”
Terry Trigger said: “The system is an absolute joke. The government needs to step in. Every day there is a different excuse. It’s a complete disgrace.”