North East Secures £1.85bn Transport Funding Including Washington Metro Extension

The Tyne and Wear Metro will be extended to Washington as part of a £1.85 billion transport investment package for the North East, with about £900 million allocated to the new Metro line, expected to open by 2033. This marks the first expansion of the Metro system in 30 years and aims to connect Washington, one of England's largest towns not currently on the rail network, to jobs and opportunities in the advanced manufacturing sector, including the nearby Nissan factory and International Advanced Manufacturing Park. The extension will feature new stations and infrastructure, with plans and feasibility studies already underway, supported by both government and private sector funding. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness described the project as a "game-changing moment" that will contribute to an integrated public transport system called the "Angel Network," enabling contactless travel across buses, Metro, and rail services. The broader transport package also includes investments in safer walking and cycling routes, road improvements, electric vehicle infrastructure, and bus service enhancements. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the funding as part of a £15.6 billion nationwide transport upgrade plan, emphasizing the commitment to improving infrastructure outside London and the South East.