Metro is ‘safer than ever’
NEXUS and Northumbria Police have assured key workers the Metro is safer than ever during the lockdown.
Usage of the network is down by as much as 90% – and on Saturday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said people would be encouraged to walk and cycle to work in order to ensure as much social distancing as possible on public transport. His department has estimated that capacity of public transport nationwide will be reduced by 90% during the next phase of the lockdown.
Despite this, Nexus is continuing to staff the busiest Metro stations – both to ensure safety and to act as a visible deterrent against the making of all but essential journeys.
Paul Harris, security manager at Nexus, moved to assure passengers that there has been “a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour on the Tyne and Wear Metro and crime rates on the network remain low” during the lockdown. He added: “The majority of people are observing the lockdown rules and are staying at home. The Metro system is currently just for key workers and journeys which are absolutely essential.
“The number of customer service staff on the system has not changed and we are operating at key times and locations throughout each day.
“We work closely with Northumbria Police and the British Transport Police to tackle crime on the network and this partnership is supported by a network of 600 station CCTV cameras, on-train CCTV and body-worn video cameras.”
Northumbria Police confirmed there has been a drop in the number of reported crimes on the Metro system.
Sgt Tim Hand said: “During lockdown we have seen a significant reduction in the number of reported incidents on the Metro network and I would like to thank the overwhelming majority of passengers who have been adhering to the restrictions. Working alongside Nexus, we have dedicated officers who regularly patrol the network to tackle antisocial behaviour or pockets of disorder and ensure anybody responsible is dealt with appropriately.”
Passengers who see any antisocial behaviour should report it via a station help point or call or text the control centre on 0191 203 3666.