The number of Metro services in operation in Sunderland will rise later this year as part of the North East Mayor’s drive to transform the network for passengers.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said there will be a train every 10 minutes on each line throughout the day during weekdays as part of a new timetable to be phased in by Metro operator Nexus.

There will also be 12 trains an hour each way through the centre of Newcastle and Gateshead when the timetable is introduced from December 2026.

Mayor McGuiness made the commitment as Nexus marks the final days of its original Metro fleet with final guaranteed runs in service taking place this week.

The North East Mayor Kim McGuiness has announced that the number of Metro services will be increased this year as part of her drive to transform the network for passengers.

placeholder image — The North East Mayor Kim McGuiness has announced that the number of Metro services will be increased this year as part of her drive to transform the network for passengers.

She said: “I promised passengers a more reliable, safer and more affordable Metro which local people can be proud of once again.

"Now we are delivering on that promise.”

Only a handful of Class 599 trains remain in service, with the last ones being removed from service on Friday, June 26.

The fleet’s last official week of service on the Green and Yellow lines will be from 9.30am until 5.30pm from Monday, June 22, until Friday, June 26.

Mayor McGuiness said: "We’ve made sure the last of the old trains are gone by summer, and so now I can confirm that from December there will be more frequent trains too.

“From this week, passengers can expect to travel on a new train every time they travel by Metro, and that means a reliable journey and a safer one thanks to the brighter open-plan layout and the 44 cameras the driver can view on every train.

"But that’s just the start.

“A train every 10 minutes throughout the daytime means Metro will be more convenient, with more space for passengers and shorter waits at stations.

"We’re transforming Metro with more trains on time, more passengers on board and more affordable travel thanks to the Mayor’s Fares capped at £2.50 however far you go.

“At the same time, Nexus is taking action to continue to make Metro safer, improve stations, replace outdated signals and build the first new Metro line for 30 years, extending the system to Washington.

"We are spending millions to deliver world class public transport for local people.”