Metro chiefs confirm trains to keep running in lockdown following fears the service could be furloughed

Metro trains will continue to operate for key workers during the next three weeks of lockdown bosses have confirmed.
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The Tyne and Wear Metro will continue running trains for those who need to carry out essential work while the country remains in a state of lockdown due to coronavirus.

Nexus bosses have assured passengers that services will continue to operate following the announcement by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on Thursday, April 16 that the measures would remain in place for at least another three weeks.

Pallion Metro stationPallion Metro station
Pallion Metro station
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Passenger numbers and ticket revenue have dropped dramatically since the lockdown measures were introduced and there have been warnings of long-term service cuts and job losses unless the Government funds an urgent £10 million bailout of the Metro.

It has been claimed Metro operator Nexus has been told to consider furloughing staff under the Treasury’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

A letter to the Department of Transport, signed by North East council chiefs Nick Forbes, Martin Gannon, Graeme Miller, Norma Redfearn and Iain Malcom, plus North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll, urged ministers to abandon the plan - saying it would have a damaging impact on keeping vital train services running for key workers.

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Now Tobyn Hughes, managing director at Nexus has confirmed that services will remain fully operational - but only for those essential workers who have to travel for work.

He commented: “We’ve heard recently that the country will remain in a state of lockdown for another three weeks but I’m pleased to say that the Tyne and Wear Metro will continue to provide a service to key workers throughout.

“We know that a lot of people are very reliant on the Metro and the ferry service to carry out their essential tasks

“The public transport system is only for key workers and essential travel at this time. If you don’t need to travel please stay at home and follow the government advice.”

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Hughes added: “If you do need to travel please keep the safe two metre distance between yourself and the people you are travelling next to.”

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