Metro misery - plans to extend service to more stations tonight

There are hopes that some trains will be in operation later this morning.

Metro passengers have faced severe disruption all day - with the service suspended system-wide.

Metro tweeted earlier: "There will be a limited service between Benton to Pelaw and Regent Centre to Pelaw. This will start soon, once trains are in position."

A further update was then posted, saying: "We are running a frequent limited service between Pelaw and Regent Centre/Benton and aim to extend to other stations later this evening."

Operator Nexus has promised to publish an update on its website later this evening, with details of Monday's service.

A power supply issue at the service's Gosforth depot led to the suspension, with passengers advised to make alternative travel arrangements.

A replacement bus service is in operation, but only between St James' and Tynemouth, in North Tyneside.

Metro tweeted: "Staff are at the sub station carrying out repairs.

"We have got some trains out of the depot and are hoping for a service later this morning."

Work went on to get more trains out of the depot using a battery locomotive to run a service.

Bus services are not accepting Metro tickets due to "capacity", with passengers told to seek an alternative method of transport until further notice.

Passengers affected by the problems are able to claim refunds on their tickets.

The company’s refund policy states that if a passenger waits on a platform for more than 15 minutes longer than advertised, or the train they are on is delayed by more than 15 minutes, they will be refunded the cost of a single journey Metro ticket.

That also applies to customers who have purchased a single, DaySaver, Day Rover, Transfare of MetroSaver, and to Network One customers.

To process the refund, Metro require a copy of the customer’s Pop card or the original Metro ticket, together with a brief description of when they were affected.

The information can be sent to Customer Relations, Tyne and Wear Metro, Metro Control Centre, South Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 1YT.

Pop card holders and Network One ticket holders can scan and email a copy to [email protected].

Claims must be submitted within 28 days of the date of the incident.