Children set to get free Metro travel when lockdown lifts - this is which ages will qualify

Transport chiefs have revealed plans to allow up to three children aged 11 and under to use the Metro and Shields Ferry for free when travelling with an adult.

Such an offer was introduced for weekends and bank holidays from January this year, but could soon be extended to every day of the week – though only after social distancing rules for public transport are relaxed.

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Metro operator Nexus says the offer will help struggling families whose income has been hit hardest by the Covid-19 crisis, although it will still be months before passengers are able to take advantage of the deal.

Passengers are advised to only travel on the Metro now if they are a key worker or if the journey is essential, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the public on Sunday night to avoid public transport as he said some people could go back to work.

A Nexus spokesman said: “We don’t plan or expect this to happen before late summer, and it will be driven by lockdown easing. It is important we are ready when the time comes so Metro can play its part helping families keep costs down and getting the region’s economy going again.”

Metro bosses say that the free weekend travel offer had proved popular with families before the onset of the coronavirus crisis, which has had a devastating impact on the rail network.

According to a report to Tyne and Wear councillors, the scheme generated an extra £10,000 in revenue from increased ticket sales for adults over the first nine weekends of 2020.

The report adds: “Once an appropriate time has been identified to launch the extension of the family offer, it will be widely promoted as a benefit to families in the wake of the lifting of Covid-19 social distancing rules.”

Nexus said the trial will be “closely monitored” and then reviewed later this year alongside the annual review of Metro fares.

The plans are expected to be signed off by the North East Joint Transport Committee this Thursday.

Metro passenger numbers have dropped by up to 95% during the coronavirus lockdown, sparking major concerns about the network’s financial future.

The government announced an £8.6 million bailout of the Metro earlier this month, though North East politicians complained that the sum was insufficient to protect vital services.

The Metro has been losing close to £1 million every week during the lockdown and bosses said it required £10million to keep running just until July.

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