A RE-VAMPED Metro train dedicated to a respected late councillor marked the start of further improvements to the region’s transport network.
Metro operator Nexus has officially launched the first Metrocar to be updated under its multi-million-pound refurbishment scheme.
The modernised train, with a plush new interior and sleek light grey and black colour scheme, has been dedicated to the late Gateshead councillor and MP Harry Cowans in honour of the work he did in the 1970s to bring about the creation of the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Father-of-four Mr Cowans was elected MP for Newcastle Central at a 1976 by-election. After boundary changes, he was elected for Tyne Bridge in 1983. He died in office at the age of 52 in 1985.
Yesterday Mr Cowan’s widow Margaret was joined by family members, including grandchildren Melissa Cowans, 13, Tom Cowans, 12, and Eve Cowans, 10, as the train was unveiled.
His daughter Linda Cowans, 48, a support worker, of Heddon-on-the-Wall, Northumberland, said: “The whole family is really proud. It’s quite a fitting tribute. Dad’s constituency was in Newcastle and Gateshead and transport was very close to his heart. He worked really hard for the people of the region, so it’s nice for him to be remembered like this.”
Nexus, which owns, manages and is modernising Metro, is in the process of refurbishing the remainder of the 90-strong fleet over the next four years.
The familiar red, green and blue Metro carriages, which date back to the 1990s, will all be replaced with the new finish.
Inside, the train has been redesigned with new seating, lighting and flooring to give a cleaner, brighter and more modern appearance. The layout has improved wheelchair access.
