Buses will complement Tyneside rapid transit
Page 25
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The fact that site investigation began on Tuesday renders topicality to a progress report on the Tyneside PTE rapid transit project.
The Executive is making detailed investigation of its proposals for a rapid transit system stemming from the recommendations of the Tyne-Wear Plan. These involve electrifying the BR North Tyne Loop and South Shields branches and connecting them with tunnels under Newcastle and Gateshead and a new bridge over the Tyne, with underground stations in Newcastle and Gateshead.
In addition the old Ponteland branch is reactivated as far as Kenton Bank Foot, and the route through South Shields
realigned through Chichester to tap major centres of population. Additional stations are provided on the existing surface lines. A high-frequency service of lightweight electric. trains is planned, with bus services structured to complement the system and provide full coverage over the area.
Major points for interchange between car, bus and rapid transit would be at Regent Centre, Four Lane Ends and Heworth. Gateshead would be a major bus /transit interchange and Newcastle Central Station the focus of the local and regional public transport system.
It is intended that the system should be fully operational by 1979.