Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether it remains the Government's policy to support Metro Flow and the wider North East Transforming Cities Fund allocation.

The Tyne and Wear Metro has been an essential part of the public transport network in the North East for over 40 years. That is why the Government is committed to investing nearly £340m to upgrade the fleet and secure its future for decades to come. We will start to see the first new trains arrive from 2022 and enter passenger service in 2023. I can confirm the government’s continued support for Metro flow and the business case is proceeding as expected. An Early Award period was agreed which allowed Nexus to commence design and planning works whilst full funding approvals are being finalised.

My Department remain committed to the Transforming Cities Programme and the benefits it will bring to the North East.