More security and faster ticket machines come high on the wishlist for Metro passengers, according to our poll of commuters at Jesmond Station. New trains will be arriving at all stations from Sunday 4 December, but when JesmondLocal asked passengers what else was needed to make their daily commute more enjoyable, some suggested having more staff at stations, particuarly at peak times, might reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour.  

Other suggestions included adding toilet facilities, faster ticket machines and some sheltered seating. The station was commended by many for its cleanliness and accessibility, with one passenger commenting on how it is “far nicer than stations nearer the end of the line”. Passengers also appreciated the small corner shop in the station that provided essentials for the journey.

In reply to our findings, David Punton, communications officer at Nexus, said staffing levels at Jesmond Metro station were increased when the automatic ticket gates were installed at the station almost 10 years ago. “We now have more staffing at this station than ever before, and since March we have taken on a dedicated security team to provide extra patrols and deter anti-social behaviour.”

Punton said there has never been a public toilet at Jesmond Metro station and that there are no plans to install one.

“The coffee kiosk at Jesmond Metro station was a popular feature of this station, particularly with commuters and students. The current tenant has had the kiosk closed since lockdown, but we are in talks with a new tenant who is keen to take over. We hope to see it back up and running in the near future.”

Jesmond is one of the most popular Metro stations outside the city centre, right next to the Royal Grammar School and a short walk from the bars on Osborne Road, as well as being the closest station for residents and students who live in Jesmond.

Up to 10 trains per hour run through the stations on weekdays, and eight on a weekend. Recent figures show that more than 650,000 passengers use the station per week, making it the 14th most popular station out of the 61 stations on the line.

“I’m a new student and have used the Metro every day since I moved to Newcastle. I’ve found it really useful so far,” said Mena Cenki, a first-year student at Northumbria University. 

Many passengers were unaware that the new Metro trains would be arriving so soon and were happy to hear that the trains would be getting upgraded to a newer model. 

“We’re definitely overdue some new trains,” said Juliet Hargreaves. “I hope the seats are a bit wider so there is space for me to put my shopping down.”