Metro update gets back on right track

Aug 1 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

A £400m North East transport payday has been secured after Government spending chiefs were told it was “time to back the region”.

Metro bosses have been awarded £300m to spend on phase two of their Reinvigoration Project, which includes improvements to ageing infrastructure and rolling stock. And in Sunderland, the Government will hand out £98m to pay for a new four-lane bridge across the River Wear.

The cash was announced by Transport Minister Rosie Winterton, who said the money was a sign of Government commitment to the North East.

It follows a £600m-a-year transport allocation announced on Wednesday, which will see Whitehall departments told to open up their books and let North East representatives set spending priorities.

The sudden cash announcement follows outrage among North decision makers that the Government was set to delay any investment until after the summer. Nick Brown MP is believed to have used his position as regional minister to secure the cash following a Treasury plan to put everything on hold until September.

Ms Winterton told The Journal: “I think the last couple of weeks has seen a realisation of many of the transport ambitions in the North East.

“And the Government believes transport plays a crucial role in stimulating the local economy and improving the environment.

“If we can invest in schemes such as the Metro, then we are sending a very clear message about the Government’s commitment to the North East, including its transport system and the knock on effect that has to the economy.”

Nick Brown said: “This is great news for the North East of England.”

And Newcastle Council leader John Shipley described the “urgently needed investment” as “marvellous news”.

The cash comes on the condition that Nexus puts various services out to contract, although it is allowed to bid to keep them in house. Nexus said the work ongoing at Haymarket station will be the model for improvements expected to be carried out at Monument and Central stations.

Quite aside from the backlog of maintenance work needed, the cash will also allow a series of station improvements which will transform the system.

Around £60m will be spent on making stations brighter and safer places.

The money will be paid out year on year from 2010 to allow maintenance and replacement of ageing lifts and escalators as well as bridges and tunnels.

Trains will be refurbished and equipped with audio and visual displays telling passengers which station is next.

:: Read previous stories about the Metro reinvigoration bid below

Metro revamp hits sudden hold up - July 26, 2008 Adrian Pearson

Union warning on Metro safety work - May 7, 2008 Adrian Pearson

£600m scheme for revamp of Metro - Jan 16 2007 Ross Smith