August 2020 marks the fortieth anniversary of the opening of the first
section of the Tyne & Wear Metro between Haymarket and Tynemouth. It is
an exciting time for the system, with a new fleet of trains about to be
ordered, and proposed extensions to the network.This book explores the
decline of the BR suburban lines that were replaced, the phased opening
of the new system from 1980 and subsequent extensions, as well as those
being considered in the future. It looks at the successful integration
of the Metro with bus and ferry services, and the inclusivity of the
railway's design, allowing disabled people unprecedented access to
public transport. It also illustrates Metro's unique combination of
brand new tunnels, spectacular viaducts and underground stations; with
the magnificent Victorian infrastructure of the former North Eastern
Railway and Blyth & Tyne Railway.