North East mayor, Kim McGuinness has announced [Wednesday 12 March] £208m of Local Transport Plan projects, the first phase of £800m in investment.
McGuinness outlined a host of transport scheme investments that will be made available across the region’s transport network over the next three years including:
- A new North Shields Ferry Landing
- Stepping up the roll-out of mobile and smart ticketing on Metro and local rail
- 100km of better walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure
- A route from St Mary’s lighthouse in Whitley Bay to Blyth
- A new link between Washington and Northern Spire in Sunderland
- Improvements on the National Cycle Network between Jarrow and Hebburn
- Active travel upgrades in Gateshead at MetroGreen
- New Metro gatelines at key stations
- Safety and accessibility improvements including improved bus stops across the North East and better connected and integrated stations
Alongside these upgrades McGuiness committed £23m of guaranteed investment for County Durham and £15.8m for up to 1,000 new electric vehicle chargepoints in residential areas and public transport interchanges.
North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “For too long we have put up with an inadequate transport network which is in urgent need of investment.
“I am pleased to confirm £208m of projects that I will deliver by 2027, revitalising our transport network and providing a more accessible, safer and better-connected system which will greatly benefit local people.
“I’m proud to confirm that I will fund a brand-new Ferry Landing in North Shields, the roll-out of smart ticketing on Metro and local rail, new gatelines to improve safety – especially for women and girls on our Metro system, £23m in funding for County Durham, 100km of better walking, wheeling and cycle routes, extra electric vehicle charge points and safer, more accessible bus stops and stations.
“I have bigger, longer-term plans for our region and we’ll be investing more in due course but this initial £208m is the first phase of a major £800m capital investment programme which we will roll-out over the next three years to revive our network, and improve public transport and active travel for all.”
Achievements and innovations in public transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
