Government pledges 'support' for Tyne & Wear Metro
The Government has committed to "support" the Tyne & Wear Metro following the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
It is one of five light rail services across the UK to be given this commitment.
What this support will consist of has not been detailed and the Government is in discussions with local authorities regarding this.
The Tyne & Wear Metro is losing £1m a week due to the massive drop in passenger numbers it is experiencing as a result of the pandemic.
The Department for Transport announced the move in a statement which also said the Government would "protect" key transportation links.
The statement said:
Grant Shapps MP, the Transport Secretary, added:
This news has had a mixed response in the North East.
Cllr Martin Gannon, the leader of Gateshead Council and chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, described the action as "complete contempt".
Metro operator Nexus said:
The Confederation of British Industry also welcomed government support for the Metro system on Tyneside so it can continue to run for key workers during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Commenting on the news, CBI Regional Director Sarah Glendinning said: