Need reliable Metro system

This is despite the hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money being spent upon its modernisation – including the refurbishment of all the Metro cars.

It is interesting to note the extent to which performance has deteriorated since the North East Combined Authority (NECA) took over responsibility for the system from the former Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority (ITA) in April 2014.

NECA is an all Labour body. The former ITA had representatives of the three main political parties. There was proper scrutiny of what happened.

Now Labour scrutinises Labour – what a joke!

It is also interesting to note that whilst satisfaction with the Metro falls, satisfaction with bus services in Tyne and Wear exceeds 90%, according to respected, national surveys.

Metro operation is the nearest we have to a quality contract – where, for example, Nexus stipulates timetables and fares.

Not long ago Nexus (and NECA) wanted to extend that approach to bus services, too!

What we need is a Metro system upon which travellers can rely.

What many of us in Sunderland want to see is a reliable and extended system serving more parts of the city.

There doesn’t seem too much chance of either as things stand.

Peter Wood (Coun)

Leader of the

Conservative Group

Sunderland City Council