Timetable changes hit Metro users

Thousands of commuters were seeing changes to timetables on the Tyne and Wear Metro network from Sunday.

Metro operator Nexus claims the move will mean extra services during busy peak periods and ease congestion.

However, there are changes to the routes of trains from Sunderland and South Tyneside to Newcastle.

The changes come on the same day that a new station opens at Northumberland Park in North Tyneside, to cater for new housing developments in the area.

The timetable changes will see extra weekday services running from Pelaw in Gateshead to either Regent Centre or Monkseaton.

There will be a train every three minutes between South Gosforth and Pelaw in the morning and afternoon peaks.

'More trains'

Throughout the day and on Saturdays both lines will operate a minimum 12 minute service, but unlike currently, trains will depart at the same time every hour.

There will be a more even service between the centres of Newcastle and Sunderland.

As a result of the changes, trains from South Hylton and Park Lane in Sunderland will run directly to Newcastle Airport instead of Tynemouth and trains from South Shields will run to St James.

Metro services on Sundays will be unaltered once the change comes into effect.

Director general of Nexus, Mike Parker, said: "The timetable changes mean we are able to run more trains and more regular services in areas where there is high demand.

"It's our job to meet that demand and by making these changes passengers will feel the benefits of a more efficient service, in turn this will encourage more people with cars to leave them at home, jump on a Metro and beat the traffic jams."