In a new announcement, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has unveiled a transformative £1.85 billion transport investment deal with the UK Government, marking the region’s largest-ever single funding package for infrastructure.
At the heart of the deal is the first new Tyne and Wear Metro line in over three decades, connecting Washington to the wider network.
The new Metro line, estimated to cost around £900 million, will link Washington—England’s fourth-largest town currently without a rail connection—to key employment hubs, including the UK’s largest advanced manufacturing zone near the Nissan car plant. The line is expected to be operational by 2033, with detailed planning already underway.
Mayor McGuinness, who personally lobbied Chancellor Rachel Reeves for the funding, hailed the agreement as “game changing” and a major step forward in delivering her vision for the Angel Network—a fully integrated, sustainable transport system designed to boost economic growth, support housing development, and improve access to opportunity across the North East.
Commenting on the plans, Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“When I was elected Mayor I promised voters I would extend the Metro and now, 12 months on, I can today announce that will happen.
“I am thrilled to say we can now get on with the job of building the first new Metro line for 30 years, at last connecting Washington to the rail network and linking tens of thousands of people to new jobs and opportunity in our growing advanced manufacturing sector.
“This is a game-changing moment for the people of our region, who can look forward to a truly world-class integrated public transport network, safer walking and cycling routes throughout our towns and cities, better local roads and a massive acceleration on our journey to an EV future.
“I promised to make the North East the home of real opportunity and deliver quality integrated transport that works for all. This funding means that we can create the Angel Network with buses under public control, more electric buses running on time along priority corridors, and contactless smart travel whether you are on a bus a Metro or a train.
“We will improve accessibility and safety for women and girls through upgrades to railway stations, interchanges and bus stops, make walking and cycling routes attractive and build the best electric vehicle charging network in the country.”
The £1.85bn package, part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS2) for 2027–2032, will also fund:
- Major road maintenance across local authorities
- Hundreds of new EV charging points
- Safer, high-quality walking and cycling routes
- Bus priority measures to improve journey reliability
- Contactless travel integration across bus, Metro, and rail
- Accessibility and safety upgrades at transport interchanges
The funding forms part of the North East Combined Authority’s new “Integrated Settlement”—a devolved financial stream supporting transport, housing, skills, and employment under the Mayor’s New Deal for North East Workers.
With private sector contributions expected to supplement the Metro expansion, the deal represents a bold step toward a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous North East.
To gain more insight into the latest rail development across the North of England, and connect with key figures across the rail industry, make sure you attend TransCityRail North on the 6th November.
Image credit : iStock
