Festive cheer for the Metro?

When you’re stuck at the Metro platform in driving rain only to be told your train has been cancelled (again!), it’s fair to say the Nexus hierarchy drop even further down that Christmas card list.

At that moment they probably float between traffic wardens and city bankers on the glad tidings barometer.

So, despite the ill-will winging its way to Metro central from disgruntled passengers, good on Nexus customer services director Huw Lewis for going on the record to explain recent issues. And when you see some of the explanations in black and white, you get an understanding of why they don’t shout it over the Tannoy.

You can be sure those stomping their feet in the cold to keep warm at Metro stations would not take too kindly to being told their train was delayed due to “leaves being crushed by hot metal wheels into a hard Teflon-like crust on top of the rail.”

But the detail of the various problems and the lengths they go to put those issues right, may well be appreciated by those who use the service most.

Some problems are, as Huw details, unavoidable while others will improve when the investment promised comes to fruition in the coming years.

The reliability of the old Metro stock has become a sore point for all, but with the investment Huw outlines today we should see some progress.

There are some quick wins, but long term the replacement of the whole train fleet should make a huge difference.

That is due to take place in 2021 ... and what a Christmas that will be for Nexus.

On the Christmas card list, they might nudge ahead of accident claims firm cold callers!