£7.6m rescue package to keep Metro on right track
EXTRA MONEY WILL LAST UNTIL AUGUST WHILE FULL TIMETABLE RESUMES
METRO trains will be able to run until at least August, after the Government offered up another £7.6 million to help the struggling network through the coronavirus crisis.
North East transport bosses say the new cash will sustain the Metro for two more months, allowing for a full train service to return.
It is hoped that running the normal number of trains throughout the week will help passengers to observe social distancing as more shops and workplaces reopen.
An earlier £8.6 million government bailout for the Metro was announced earlier this month, following weeks of warnings that the network was facing financial ruin and losing around £1 million a week during the pandemic.
Metro increased its train frequency to the usual one every 12 minutes from Monday to Friday until 8pm last week, but the extra cash will now allow for a full return to the scheduled train timetable in the coming weeks.
Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council and chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “We welcome this funding which, in addition to the amount already pledged last month, will allow Metro to run a full service until August.
“However, we will continue talks with Government over support for Metro for the remainder of the year as we look to keep a full service running to maximise space on trains, allowing passengers to observe social distancing guidelines as lockdown measures are gradually eased.”
A full normal train service throughout the day is expected to resume from Monday, June 29.
Nexus chief operating officer Martin Kearney added: “This new financial support will allow us to run a full Metro timetable and maximise the room we have for social distancing on the system.
“It means that we can meet all of Metro’s running costs up until August at this challenging time, where Metro fare revenue has fallen significantly.
“As lockdown measures are gradually lifted, we will continue playing our part in supporting the local economy, but we are conscious that social distancing measures mean that it will be a long time before we return to normal passenger numbers.
“We will continue to talk to the Government about the need for additional financial support for the remainder of the year at the very least.”
Transport secretary Grant Shapps revealed a second round of funding for the Metro over the weekend, while also confirming that the North East would receive £13.4 million to create new cycle lanes and walking routes.
He also agreed to give £5 million to develop proposals to bring back passenger trains to the AshingtonBlyth-Tyne line, in addition to the £1.5 million initially pledged.
Mr Shapps said: “From NHS staff to transport and shop workers, teachers, volunteers and all those staying at home, people across the country are all sharing the same public-spirited approach to tackling the spread of this virus and keeping others safe.
“To make sure people can travel safely when they need to, we are increasing capacity on buses and light rail, as well as helping local authorities fast-track plans to support cyclists and pedestrians, further reducing pressure on our transport network.
“These measures will help keep passengers safe now, but we must also prepare for what comes next. Strengthening vital road and railway connections, as well as encouraging cycling and walking, will be essential to our ambition to level up the country, secure a green legacy, and kickstart regional economies, as we build out of Covid-19 and look to the future.”