A key figure behind some of the most significant investment decisions in the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro is retiring after an outstanding 38-year career with Nexus.
Lynne Robinson, Public Affairs Manager at Nexus, has spent almost four decades building relationships across the political spectrum, helping secure support and funding for major transport projects that have shaped public transport across North East England.
Among her most notable achievements were helping secure Government backing for the Metro extension to Sunderland, obtaining investment for Metro's new train fleet, and supporting the ongoing development of the Metro to Washington project.
Throughout her career, Robinson became one of the best-connected figures in the region's transport sector, developing strong relationships with politicians, ministers and key stakeholders at both local and national level.
Now aged 66 and living in High Heaton, Newcastle, she is preparing to retire from the organisation she first joined in 1989 on what was intended to be a temporary basis.
Driving Political Support for Major Metro Projects
Robinson's work was instrumental in helping Nexus navigate the political landscape required to secure funding and support for major transport infrastructure projects.
Reflecting on her career, she said:
“I’ve loved my time with Nexus. Working in public affairs has allowed me to work on some truly major projects, which could never have become a reality without political support.
“It’s a role where you see the work that you do bringing a direct benefit to the communities that our public transport network serves, particularly the Tyne and Wear Metro.”
“It’s all about relationships and working with all the different political parties.”
“I was involved with the bid to extend the Metro to Sunderland, talking to ministers to gather their support. It was an honour to be part of it. In the subsequent years there have been other major schemes we’ve had to bid for. The biggest one in more recent times was when we got the green light for new train fleet. That was a really exciting moment.
“The Metro to Washington project is the latest one that has required significant engagement and support. It’s been great to be involved in that in the early stages, and even after I’ve retired, I hope that it goes from strength to strength, because another Metro extension is huge for our region.”
The Sunderland extension, which opened in 2002, significantly expanded the Metro network, while the introduction of a new train fleet is delivering the biggest transformation of Metro services in a generation.
A Career That Began at Reception
What started as a temporary receptionist role evolved into a distinguished public transport career spanning almost four decades.
Robinson progressed through a variety of positions at Nexus, including project work and serving as School Liaison Officer before becoming Public Affairs Manager.
Looking back at her unexpected career journey, she said:
“It was only meant to be a short-term job and here I am 38 years later. I’m particularly proud of my time in school liaison, as it was when we established the SafetyWorks centre in Newcastle, which has gone on to be a vital facility for teaching safety to tens of thousand of children.”
Her contribution to public engagement extended far beyond politics, helping develop educational initiatives that continue to benefit young people across the region.
Managing Royal Visits and High-Profile Events
Alongside her public affairs responsibilities, Robinson coordinated 31 ministerial and Royal visits during her time at Nexus.
Notable engagements included visits from Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and 2009, Princess Anne in 2007 and 2010, and King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, during Metro's 40th anniversary celebrations in 2021.
Recalling some of those memorable occasions, she said:
“I’ve been lucky enough to plan so many Royal visits. One that stands out is when we arranged for Queen Elizabeth II to travel on board a Metro train when she opened the Sunderland line in 2002. It was an amazing day.
“I also had the task of chaperoning Princess Anne on the Shields Ferry in 2007, and the then Prince Charles riding the Metro from Central to Haymarket to mark Metro’s 40th anniversary in 2021. He really enjoyed it.
“Another VIP visit that stands out was the time Sting’s manager rang up, completely out of the blue, and asked to hire the Shields Ferry. That was in 2010. It was incredible but it’s absolutely true. We arranged it, he paid, and Sting duly turned up for the trip on the Tyne, which he booked to show some friends the sights and sounds of the area that he’s from.”
‘Outstanding Service and Commitment’
Paying tribute to Robinson's contribution, Nexus Managing Director Cathy Massarella highlighted the impact she has had on both the organisation and the wider region.
She said:
"Lynne has given us outstanding service and commitment for almost 40 years. She’s played a huge role in Nexus winning Government support for some of the biggest capital projects we’ve ever undertaken.
“Her knowledge and contacts book are second to none. She will be missed but we wish her all the very best for her retirement.”
As Nexus continues to deliver major projects including the proposed Metro extension to Washington, Robinson leaves behind a legacy of political engagement and public service that has helped secure millions of pounds of investment for the North East's transport network.
Image credit: Nexus
