North East Mayor announces £208m transport investment plan

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced a £208 million investment plan as the first phase of an £800 million initiative to improve transport infrastructure in the region by 2027. Key projects include the construction of a new North Shields Ferry Landing, the rollout of mobile and smart ticketing on the Metro, and the enhancement of 100km of walking and cycling routes. The plan also allocates funds for safety improvements at bus stops and the installation of up to 1,000 electric vehicle charging points. While the investment aims to create a more accessible and safe transport network, opposition councillors have raised concerns that not all areas will benefit equally. McGuinness emphasized the urgency of addressing the region's inadequate transport system and is committed to further investments in the future. Overall, the plan is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and safety across the North East's transport landscape.