Nexus, the public body which manages and operates the Tyne and Wear Metro, is celebrating 40 years since the transport system launched in the borough.
Since it officially opened on March 23, 1984, the line, which runs from Pelaw to South Shields, has carried more than 200 million passengers.
The opening of the South Tyneside line marked the final stage of the original Metro network, with further extensions to Newcastle Airport added in 1991 and to Sunderland in 2002.
The South Tyneside line was formerly part of the old Tyneside Electric rail network, which the Tyne and Wear PTE took over from British Rail and converted it to allow the operation of Metro services.
A big thanks to Nexus for sharing these incredible photos with us from years gone by in the borough.
Take a journey back in time to view some of the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro network in South Tyneside.
5. South Shields Metro Station entrance
The entrance to the former South Shields Metro Station in May 1984. It was demolished as part of the regeneration work to build the new interchange, with Station Approach now providing a pathway through to King Street from the interchange. The Panasonic shop to the right of the station entrance is now the popular fish and chip shop, Frydays. | Nexus Photo: Nexus
6. Promotional material
Promotional material ahead of the launch of the Tyne and Wear Metro in South Tyneside. | Nexus Photo: Nexus
7. Tyne Dock construction
Tyne Dock Metro Station under construction in February 1982. | Nexus Photo: Nexus
8. Chichester construction
At Chichester Metro Station, there is a tunnel which was a former goods line through to Westoe Colliery. That goods line was the spot of the Westoe Netty, an open air public urinal which was depicted in the famous 1972 painting by Bob Olley. The toilets were saved when the colliery line was demolished and are now preserved at Beamish. | Nexus Photo: Nexus