
Show Notes
In this episode, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Tyne and Wear Metro by delving into its past, present and future. The wide-ranging discussion took in the history of Metro, hearing how devolution was key in realising the initial vision and how the system has, and continues to be, a key part of the North East’s identity. The conversation also focused on how Metro has responded to the COVID-19 crisis and what its future will look like post-pandemic, with its new fleet of trains and potential extensions to the network. Our guests were Tobyn Hughes, Managing Director, Transport North East and Director General of Nexus, and Huw Lewis, Customer Services Director at Nexus. They were interviewed by Mike Parker, the former Director General of Nexus.
More from Urban Transport Next
In this episode, Jerome Mayhew MP, Shadow Transport Minister, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. During the discussion, Jerome talked about the important role of the bus, particularly in rural areas, his role in scrutinising rail reform, active travel, and transport in his constituency of Broadland and Fakenham.
In this episode, Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. During the discussion, the Mayor spoke passionately about the region she grew up in, the importance of transport to the 'everyday economy', and why the West of England is focusing on 'trust' in its new transport vision.
In this episode, Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. During the discussion, the Cabinet Secretary discussed his motivation for entering politics, the importance of embedding wellbeing into Wales' transport vision and the branding of the Welsh public transport system.
In this episode, Lord Hendy, Minister of State for Rail, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. During the discussion, Lord Hendy spoke about his experience in the House of Lords; the Railways Bill and what benefits GBR will bring for passengers; and devolution and the role for local areas in the railways. The pair also discussed light rail's role as part of integrated transport systems, the importance of learning from the international transport community and their favourite bus routes.
In this episode, Simon Lightwood MP, the Minister for Roads and Buses, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. During the discussion, the Minister focused on the bus: highlighting the importance of buses during his childhood, outlining how the new Bus Services Act will impact services in England, and explaining the role of the bus in driving UK economic growth. The pair also spoke about the forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy, transport devolution, accessibility in transport, and micromobility.