Nexus have submitted a bid to the Department for Transport for funding to completely replace the signalling system on the Tyne and Wear Metro. The business case – which has the backing of North East Mayor, Kim McGuiness – was originally submitted to the government in late 2024 and after review by the DfT transport board has been endorsed to move on to next phase of the development process.
The investment required on the signalling system is estimated at £400 million. The signalling system dates from the construction of the network in the 1970s and 1980s and is now due an upgrade to ensure the system can continue to run safely and reliably.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “It’s absolutely vital that we replace the signalling system on Metro. We have submitted our Strategic Outline Business Case to demonstrate the need for replacement and that has now been reviewed by the DfT. We will now progress to the next stage of development and will remain in dialogue with the Government about this very important issue.
“Signalling is the safety-critical system which underpins the operation of our Metro system. Without signals we can’t run our trains. We’ve had the same signalling technology since the late 1970s and it needs to be replaced. We are working with analogue technology in a digital era.
“This investment is critical for Metro and critical for the whole region. A new signalling system is what we need to ensure the long-term future and sustainability of the Metro and also to pave the way for any future expansion, which is vital for growth, jobs and improved connectivity.”
The current system is a traditional arrangement involving mechanical relays and track circuits and when introduced in 1980 was said to have a design life of 40 years. The Nexus team have managed to extend the life of the system through regular maintenance and repairs. However, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain and currently up to 62% of all infrastructure related delays are due to signalling asset failures; this is only expected to increase.
Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, said: “The North East needs funding to update the Metro’s aging signalling system. As we have seen with the issues we have had in recent years with our aging fleet, rail infrastructure – such as trains, tracks and signalling – needs regular funding to safeguard the services in the longer-term and to run a reliable service for passengers.
“It is imperative we win the investment we need. Since being elected last year, I have met with Ministers on numerous occasions and have stressed the urgency of the funding required for Metro signalling as part of our ambitious plans to modernise and extend Metro to Washington.
“Nexus is underway with rolling out the new trains, and this is the next major investment our region needs to continue to improve the service for all passengers.”
The final cost of the upgrade will only be determined once the final business case is completed.