Light rail pioneer secures a long-term future

A rolling investment programme likely to last more than 20 years is underway to modernise the Tyne and Wear. The project focuses on up-dating and developing structures and systems which the passenger does not necessarily see, as well as more visible investment such as the reconstruction of stations. The history of the network is described, highlighting the successful development and detailing the plans for the future expansion and modernisation. The re-invigoration will be conducted in three phases with the first phase including a focus on ticketing. Improvements to the fleet are also envisaged with enhanced audio-visual passenger information and security. Phase two will deliver a more fundamental change based on well-planned capital injection from central government, involving Nexus Rail as infrastructure owner and manager. Infrastructure priorities in this phase are highlighted. Phase three will focus on rolling stock. Additional facts and figures are illustrated in insets, including a map of the metro.