Lynne Robinson, currently Public Affairs Manager at Nexus, is to retire after 38 years with the organisation. During that time she has played an instrumental role in securing political support for some of the biggest projects in the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Lynne joined Nexus in 1989 in a temporary role and loved it so much she ended up staying for nearly 40 years! In that time she has worked across the political landscape with notable successes including helping Nexus to get Government funding for the Metro extension to Sunderland in 1999, the investment for the new Metro fleet in 2017, and the commitment for the new Metro signalling system.
Lynne said: “I’ve loved my time with Nexus. Working in public affairs has allowed me to work on some truly major projects, which could never have become a reality without political support.
“It’s a role where you see the work that you do bringing a direct benefit to the communities that our public transport network serves, particularly the Tyne and Wear Metro. It’s all about relationships and working with all the different political parties.
“I was involved with the bid to extend the Metro to Sunderland, talking to ministers to gather their support. It was an honour to be part of it. In the subsequent years there have been other major schemes we’ve had to bid for. The biggest one in more recent times was when we got the green light for new train fleet. That was a really exciting moment.
“The Metro to Washington project is the latest one that has required significant engagement and support. It’s been great to be involved in that in the early stages, and even after I’ve retired, I hope that it goes from strength to strength, because another Metro extension is huge for our region.”
She has also been responsible for managing royal visits including two visits by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and 2009, two visits by Princess Anne in 2007 and 2010, and a visit by the King, then Prince of Wales, in 2021 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Metro.
Lynne commented: “I’ve been lucky enough to plan so many Royal visits. One that stands out is when we arranged for Queen Elizabeth II to travel on board a Metro train when she opened the Sunderland line in 2002. It was an amazing day.
“I also had the task of chaperoning Princess Anne on the Shields Ferry in 2007, and the then Prince Charles riding the Metro from Central to Haymarket to mark Metro’s 40th anniversary in 2021. He really enjoyed it.
“Another VIP visit that stands out was the time Sting’s manager rang up, completely out of the blue, and asked to hire the Shields Ferry. That was in 2010. It was incredible but it’s absolutely true. We arranged it, he paid, and Sting duly turned up for the trip on the Tyne, which he booked to show some friends the sights and sounds of the area that he’s from.”
Cathy Massarella, Nexus Managing Director, said: “Lynne has given us outstanding service and commitment for almost 40 years. She’s played a huge role in Nexus winning Government support for some of the biggest capital projects we’ve ever undertaken.
“Her knowledge and contacts book are second to none. She will be missed but we wish her all the very best for her retirement.”