§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions his Department has had with transport operators and regulators in Tyne and Wear concerning(a) integrated passenger transport networks and (b) the future of the Tyne and Wear Metro. [136030]
§ Dr. HowellsOfficials from the Transport Team at the Government Office for the North East have meetings, on an approximately quarterly basis, with officers at Nexus (Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive). Discussions cover the full range of Nexus' work in developing and promoting an integrated passenger transport network in Tyne and Wear, including buses, rail, metro, ferry and concessionary fares. In addition Government Office officials attend regular meetings chaired by the North East Assembly, attended by representatives of bus and rail operators providing services in Tyne and Wear.
Officials from Government Office for the North East and Department for Transport have also had several meetings during the past year with Nexus concerning its proposals for the future development of the Tyne and Wear Metro and the possibility of tram and bus based 643W extensions to the system. The most recent meeting was held on 21 October 2003. I understand that Nexus intends to submit an outline business case for funding for these developments in 2004 and officials have provided advice to Nexus on their potential submission.