Transport progress is moving at last

A long-term infrastructure strategy worth billions has been published, and the North East is firmly on the map. The headlines include a long-overdue extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro to Washington and funding to restore the Tyne Bridge. After years of promises, this time it looks like change is really coming.

For Washington – one of the largest towns in the country without a rail link – this is a huge step forward. Extending the Metro means better access to jobs, education, and services in Newcastle, Sunderland and beyond. It means fewer people having to rely on long bus journeys or driving through traffic for work or visit family.

We know people are rightly cautious after so many false starts. But the funding is now in place, and plans are moving quickly. The line is due to open by 2033, using part of the old Leamside Line, with new stations near Follingsby Park, Nissan, and in Washington itself. That puts thousands of working people within easier reach of good jobs and cuts down on wasted hours in traffic.

This isn’t just about one project. It’s part of a bigger £1.85 billion transport plan for the North East that will improve roads, bus services, and walking and cycling routes too. Plans for a fully integrated system – the so-called ‘Angel Network’ – mean that in future, hopping between a bus, train or Metro could be seamless, using a single contactless ticket.

It’s only right to recognise the role of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness in getting this over the line. In just her first year, she’s made the case for our region, worked closely with local leaders, and helped secure funding that’s long been missing. The TUC and unions across the North East have also backed this push every step of the way – because we know decent transport links are essential for a fair economy.

Repairing the Tyne Bridge is another big win. It’s a vital route for workers and freight alike, and before renovations started last year it was deteriorating rapidly. Now, there’s proper money to sort it out.

There’s still more to do. The Leamside Line to Ferryhill remains on the shelf for now, and we’ll keep making the case for that and other connections that our communities need. The start of regeneration is only taking place on the Gateshead Flyover, a vital infrastructure link, because Mayor McGuinness has fronted the regional money necessary to sort it out.

But for now, this is good news – and a sign that the government is finally taking infrastructure seriously again. If delivered well, these projects will make a real difference to everyday life. Our job as unions is to keep up the pressure, make sure working people benefit, and ensure that local voices continue to be heard at every stage.

This article was first published in the North East Journal, 23 June 2025