Residents and community groups are being encouraged to share their ideas on the design of future Metro carriages at the next meeting of North Tyneside Transport Forum.
The forum takes place on Tuesday night (18 October) at Whitley Bay at the Customer First Centre.
Nexus will give a presentation on their proposals for the design of carriages for a future Metro fleet. This provides an opportunity for people to share their views ahead of a wider consultation as Nexus, which own Metro, prepares to bid to the Department for Transport to help fund a new generation of Metro trains.
Local bus and Metro operators will be at the forum meeting to also provide the latest updates and there will be the opportunity to raise other public transport-related matters for future consideration.
The forum gives people in North Tyneside a chance to share constructive feedback on public transport and promote the use of public transport and its links with cycling and walking. Topics covered at previous forum meetings have included smart ticketing, transport at regional level and engaging with young people about public transport.
Fiona Swindell, chair of the forum, said: “I am glad that Nexus will be presenting their plans for the design for future Metro carriages at the next meeting.
“I’d encourage people from across North Tyneside to come along and engage in the discussion on this and other aspects of our local public transport.”
Cllr John Harrison, North Tyneside Council’s cabinet member for Housing and Transport, added: “It is good to see transport operators, local groups and residents coming together to discuss public transport in the borough.
“We seek to make the transport system here in North Tyneside, and across our area, the very best it can be. Getting thoughts, ideas and feedback from residents is a vital part of this.”
The forum is meeting on Tuesday 18 October, 6pm to 8pm, at Whitley Bay Customer First Centre, York Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 1AB. Tea and coffee will be available.
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Notes to editors:
Each year people in North Tyneside make over 11 million bus journeys and more than seven million trips on the Metro, while many more use local taxi services and the Shields Ferry. Whether it’s getting to work, visiting friends and relatives or heading for North Tyneside’s coast and visitor attractions, public transport plays a vital role in getting people around the borough.
Background information about the forthcoming Nexus consultation on future Metro carriage design is available at www.nexus.org.uk.