Stations set for ticket barriers by end of the year

THE first new ticket barriers to be installed on the Tyne and Wear Metro network for a decade should be in action before the end of the year, transport chiefs say.

- DANIEL HOLLAND Local Democracy Reporter

Work is now under way to introduce new ticket gates at the Regent Centre Metro station in Gosforth, while a shortlist of more stations that will also get gatelines for the first time is being drawn up.

The move comes following a £2.1 million pledge this March from North East mayor Kim McGuinness, who has vowed to get more barriers installed in order to improve security and reduce fare-dodging.

Metro operator Nexus confirmed on Monday that the work at the Regent Centre interchange, used by more than 1.3 million Metro passengers every year, is due to be finished by the end of 2025 and the station will be staffed by Metro's customer service team.

Other stations on the Metro map are in line for the upgrades too, but it remains unclear how many or where they will be.