Nexus, the company that runs the Tyne and Wear Metro, has warned additional money will be needed in 2021 to make up a shortfall due to the coronavirus.

“Passenger numbers and fare revenue remain way below where they would have been, and we expect the recovery to be slow,” a Nexus spokesperson told JesmondLocal.

“The need for further funding after 11 January is almost certain and we continue to work with government to ensure we obtain sufficient support to keep Metro services operating.”

Since the pandemic, Metro services have been forced to adapt in times of adversity, in order to continue the service so vital for the community, and protect its passengers sufficiently.

“We have worked tirelessly,” the spokesperson told JesmondLocal. “We have implemented enhanced cleaning with hospital grade disinfectant and a special anti-bacterial spray that gives longer protection to high tough surfaces like poles, handrails and ticket machines.”

In order to adapt to post-pandemic times, the Metro services have been forced to make many new changes.

“New signage has gone in to encourage social distancing, and, most importantly, face coverings are mandatory,” the spokesperson told us. “They must be worn on trains and stations so that we call do out bit to halt the spread of Coronavirus.”

The service has regularly been criticised by passengers for late services in recent years, though the stresses of the pandemic have blunted criticism.

“I think the Metro have tried their best during unprecedented times,” Abbi Griffiths, 19, a frequent Metro user in Jesmond, told JesmondLocal. “The lines that run from Jesmond to the centre of town have been consistent enough.”

The issues the rail line have suffered is not just regional, but national.

Rail passenger journeys in Great Britain 2020-21 have fallen this year, in contrast to the 439 million passenger journeys of the previous year, according to the Office for Rail and Road.

These numbers represent “the lowest level of passenger usage since the mid-nineteenth century.”

Some passengers are happy numbers have dropped.

“Keep the Metros as empty as possible,” Marcus Mahadeva, 18, another frequent Metro user, suggested to JesmondLocal. “It can be quite uncomfortable at times for people due to the crowds.”

Mahadeva suggested the solution of increasing Metro frequency where possible to avoid crowds, which inevitably leads to issues with social distancing, yet, as revealed in a recent Newcastle City Council meeting, this may not be a feasible answer.

With both driver shortages and reliance on government for funding, the Metro is in need now more than ever.

It is with hopes that this service will survive the pandemic. “This extra financial support is vital so that we can continue providing Metro services at this time of crisis,” the spokesperson stated.