Having opened initially in 1980 when the Haymarket to Tynemouth line opened via Benton, the Tyne and Wear Metro is set for another huge period in the system’s history once again.
The system will soon be rolling out new train stock but before then we are taking a look back at how the Metro has changed over the years.
When the Tyne and Wear Metro first opened, it was intended to form part of a wider integrated public transport system, with the local bus network reconfigured to act as 'feeder' services for the Metro.
After the first opening of the line, other branches were added throughout the early 1980s across Newcastle and North Tynesde before the Metro opened its Heworth to South Shields line back in 1984.
Bank Foot to Newcastle Airport opened in 1991 before the system reached Sunderland in 2002.
Come with us as we take a look back through the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro.
5. Jesmond Cinema
Jesmond Cinema on Lyndhurst Ave, West Jesmond. The photograph is looking across the Metro car park towards the cinema. | Newcastle Libraries
6. 1970s
The construction of the Metro in the Manors area before the motorway was built taken in 1972/73. | NL
7. 1996
A 1996 photograph of The Plough at Byker pub at the corner of Byker Bank and Wolsely Street. A metro train can be seen travelling along the bridge to the left of the pub. The white building which can be seen in the background is the former Apollo cinema. | NL
8. 1980
A view of Byker Metro Bridge taken in 1980. In the foreground to the left is Crawford's Bridge. Behind Byker Metro Bridge is the Ouseburn Viaduct (1839). | NL