11.02.13
Nexus receives £23m more for Metro upgrade
The Government has announced a £23m boost to upgrade and renew the Tyne and Wear Metro. This brings the total funding for Nexus’s ‘All change’ modernisation programme to £93m over the next three years.
The programme will create a about 60 new jobs and include renewal of tracks and track-beds from Tynemouth to Gateshead, a complete refurbishment of the train fleet and 45 stations and the introduction of smart ticketing with the Pop card.
There will also be a system-wide replacement of overhead power lines, and communication and signal systems will be upgraded.
Local transport minister Norman Baker said: “This is a major programme of renewal of the Metro infrastructure and will bring real benefits to the people and economy of the North East. The money gives Nexus the certainty to plan ahead and deliver the best outcomes for Metro users.
“The Department for Transport is determined to support the North East of England in its efforts to deliver better transport for everyone and to cut carbon emissions.”
Ken Mackay, director of Rail and Infrastructure at Nexus, said: “We are delighted the government has shown its commitment to Metro modernisation by confirming funding in full, including the conditional element.
“The £93m we will receive gives us the financial security to create 60 new jobs delivering modernisation on the ground, in addition to the contracts we will offer to leading engineering and transport contractors.
“This commitment from government is a vote of confidence in the efficient, effective inward investment we are delivering for Tyne and Wear through the Metro: all change programme.”
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