A £53.6 million package of new transport investment is set to be approved by the Mayor of the North East, delivering significant improvements across the region’s road, Metro and bus networks.
The funding includes £22 million for road maintenance and a major upgrade of the Regent Centre Metro and Bus Interchange – one of the area’s most heavily used public transport hubs. If approved, the investment will support delivery of the Mayor’s Local Transport Plan, which aims to build a greener, more integrated and more inclusive transport network for local people, passengers and communities.
One of the centrepieces of the funding package is a major refurbishment of Regent Centre Metro and Bus Interchange. The £7.94 million project will upgrade platforms and the concourse, improve bus waiting facilities and introduce clearer, more accessible wayfinding to benefit both Metro users and bus passengers.
Some improvements are already complete. New ticket barriers, installed to improve passenger safety and deter crime, are now operational. The barriers form part of wider safety measures introduced to particularly support women and girls travelling on the Metro. Construction work on the rest of the refurbishment is expected to begin this summer.
The Mayor is also expected to approve an additional £22 million for highway maintenance, supplementing the £73.5 million previously committed. The funding will allow local authorities to expand vital maintenance work, including pothole repairs, surface improvements and road safety upgrades across the region.
The investment aims to ensure safer and more reliable journeys for residents, businesses and visitors, while helping councils address maintenance backlogs exacerbated by weather conditions and increased demand.
Several further schemes are also included in the £53.6 million funding package:
- £8.52 million to develop and deliver new transport schemes in County Durham
- Extension of free travel passes for care-experienced young people
- £7 million for Metro asset renewals
- Funding to support development of the Northumberland Line extension to Newbiggin‑on‑Sea
Together, these measures are designed to enhance connectivity, improve safety, and widen access to public transport for communities across the region.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness commented:
“I want better transport for everyone in the North East and we’re investing to make this a reality for local people. We’ll be giving Regent Centre Metro and Bus Interchange a new lease of life, with a £7.94m upgrade to make it nicer, safer and more accessible for passengers, so I'm pleased work will get underway soon.
“We’re also providing an extra £22m in highways funding to our local authorities so we can make progress in tackling maintenance across our road network - there are too many potholes on our region’s roads.”
The Mayor and Cabinet will also be asked to approve a high‑level plan for the region’s upcoming Transport for City Regions funding. This future investment programme includes early‑stage funding for major projects such as the Metro to Washington and the continued development of the Angel Network—Mayor Kim’s vision for a world‑class, fully integrated public transport system for the North East.
A detailed investment plan will be presented to Cabinet later this year, setting out the long‑term infrastructure needed to support economic growth, decarbonisation and improved mobility.
Image credit: iStock
