Question to the Department for Transport:

Her Majesty's Government when they will announce their decision on the funding of the new Tyne and Wear Metro fleet; what options they have considered in making that decision; and what assessment they have made of the long-term financial consequences for local authorities of each of those options.

The Department for Transport and HM Treasury officials continue to work with Nexus regarding their proposals for new rolling stock on the Metro. No decision has been reached as to which funding model is the most appropriate.