Mayor unveils £13.92 million transport boost

A regeneration boss has unveiled plans for a “transformative” £13.92 million investment to improve transport safety, accessibility and electric vehicle infrastructure across the North East.

The funding, proposed by North East mayor Kim McGuinness as part of the £208 million Local Transport Plan, includes £3.5 million to upgrade nearly 200 bus stops in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland with new shelters, better accessibility and enhanced passenger information. 

It adds to ongoing improvements at over 400 stops in County Durham.

A further £6 million will improve up to nine rail and Metro stations, including Heworth and Metrocentre, in Gateshead; St Peters, in Sunderland; the busy South Tyneside Metro stops at Jarrow, Hebburn and Fellgate; Palmersville, in North Tyneside; and stations along the new Northumberland Line, benefiting around six million users annually.

Additionally, £4.42 million will fund up to 166 new electric vehicle charging points in tourist hotspots and key locations, supporting the region’s shift to greener travel options.

Mayor McGuinness said: “I am determined to deliver better transport for everyone in the North East, and a huge part of this is investing in our public transport network so it is safer, more accessible and appealing for local people. 

“Passengers should be able to feel safe when using our system, from the moment they approach their local bus stop. 

“This is about making a difference in the streets where people live.

“Millions of journeys start at local bus stops, Metro and rail stations every year – so this money will make a huge difference and improve the journeys so many people rely on.”

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