AN INTEGRATED APPROACH IN TYNE AND WEAR. PLANNING FOR PASSENGER TRANSPORT INTEGRATION. PROCEEDINGS OF A CONFERENCE HELD IN NOTTINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM, MARCH 1984

The history of public transport in the Tyne and Wear area is briefly outlined. The creation of the Tyneside Passenger Authority in 1969 was followed by the Tyne and Wear Transport Plan for the 1980s in 1972. This called for a balanced programme of investment in roads and public transport, the main feature being the linking of the rail systems of Newcastle and Gateshead. Public transport investment was given the highest priority to support industrial restructuring of the area and provide an alternative to the car. Work began in 1974 on the Metro system which now forms the backbone of the local public transport system. Details are given of the Metro network, ticket arrangements, vehicles, frequency and publicity. The approach to integration is examined in detail. In planning integration between the Metro and bus services the roles of each were first defined. Bus routes were restructured and frequencies controlled. Interchanges were purpose-built and a convenient fare system developed. These measures were supported by publicity which promoted the system as one network and aimed particularly to enhance the perception of buses. Implementation of the scheme is reviewed and statistics on passenger loadings provided. It is concluded that the development of the Tyne and Wear integrated transport system illustrates a significant and successful investment in local public transport. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 830760.