Why isn't the Tees Metro being mentioned again?

[changingman]

No. Totally disagree. You build a system to serve the public, not to reopen branch lines and stations needed for the economy of the Nineteenth Century

I think it's "horses for courses" really. The Tram works where there are limited other options. Bus is it's main competitor, so if it guarantees increased frequency, capacity and journey time reduction it *should* be a no brainer. As you're building from scratch you can ensure new/planned estates are served.

It would struggle however to serve the entire Teesside area, so if that's the issue, a metro system would look a better choice. Utilising existing network was simply a way to reduce costs I imagine but higher frequency and capacity, including some new stations (Middlehaven would be well utilised during the season) would bring benefits imo.

 

[HolgateCorner]

Without the political will it wont happen.
Its not surprising that cities like Liverpool, Leeds, Bristol, Southampton, Brighton, Hull, Chester, Norwich, Ipswich, Reading, Leicester, Derby, Teesside, Plymouth, Preston ............have`nt got a tram network.
Its a novelty in this country: we are in the dark ages. Pathetic.

It’s because outside the major cities, like the NHS, the primary users will be the less well off. What’s in it for the rich? Our attitudes are rooted in the feudal system.

 

[Wiseman_Vaughn]

I would think that the main reason would be Finance. I doubt any government would want to throw any money our way.
It should have been built in the TDC era but instead, they decided on other things such as white water rafting - that Teessiders really needed.

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

We have roads and electric buses. Wouldn't that be a better idea for local transport needs?

I was on the bus last night and it was quite well used, there aren't that many paying to use the bus service but it was clean, warm and a fast service. We just need them running more efficiently with improved terminals and more comfortable bus stops. There's already routes close to the majority of people's homes.

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

I would think that the main reason would be Finance. I doubt any government would want to throw any money our way.
It should have been built in the TDC era but instead, they decided on other things such as white water rafting - that Teessiders really needed.

And Teesside Park when we already had well established town centres.

 

[Colgates_shaving_foam]

We have roads and electric buses. Wouldn't that be a better idea for local transport needs?

I was on the bus last night and it was quite well used, there aren't that many paying to use the bus service but it was clean, warm and a fast service. We just need them running more efficiently with improved terminals and more comfortable bus stops. There's already routes close to the majority of people's homes.

I agree with this.

The obvious solution is to have lots more electric buses and bus routes. The roads are already there.

They need to run later as they mostly stop at about 11pm at the latest I think?

 

[El Guapo]

I’d add a stop at Norton between Stockton and Billingham and a branch off to Stillingyom and Sedgefield. I’d also extend line from Nunthorpe to Guisborough. I reckon you’d have Teesside region well covered and it would be a good idea.

I also agree re better (and leccy) bus service and better / more comfortable bus stops.

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

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I’d add a stop at Norton between Stockton and Billingham and a branch off to Stillingyom and Sedgefield. I’d also extend line from Nunthorpe to Guisborough. I reckon you’d have Teesside region well covered and it would be a good idea.

I also agree re better (and leccy) bus service and better / more comfortable bus stops.

Nobody would use it.

 

[El Guapo]

Nobody would use it.

Oh well. Best not bother then.

Imagine if no one had ever set sail or attempted to fly.

 

[Corcaigh_the_Cat]

Oh well. Best not bother then.

Look at the stops, they're mostly served by trains now. How many take the train from say Billingham to Middlesbrough, that is all that this Metro is offering, with a couple of extra stops thrown in. You'd need multiple stations across each town if it isn't simply going to be a hyped up development of something we already have.

 

[El Guapo]

Look at the stops, they're mostly served by trains now. How many take the train from say Billingham to Middlesbrough, that is all that this Metro is offering, with a couple of extra stops thrown in. You'd need multiple stations across each town if it isn't simply going to be a hyped up development of something we already have.

I’d say a fair few as I’ve been on those trains recently. Of course it would need proper integration but the metro trains could run more regularly as in any urbanisation and the service trains would run lessfrequently and / or stop at the outlining stations ie Darlo and Pools.

Agree with your point re need for additional stops in the various towns.

If you want to get people out of cars and onto public transport and to be greener then you need more frequent and better publicctransport. It just requires vision and joined up thinking for the various integrated transport options ie rail, metro, bus.

 

[SmallTown]

Steady on. Saltburn to Darlo only got real trains a couple of years ago.

Electric trains is crazy talk. I can't imagine it is remotely cost-effective. Return on capital would take about a century.

I'm not so sure. None of the towns are particularly big but as an urban conurbation the boroughs of Stockton and Middlesbrough have plenty of people to make it usable. Also there is something good about improving mobility in an area that isn't the richest, allowing people to move around more always seems a good think to me

 

[Colgates_shaving_foam]

Look at the stops, they're mostly served by trains now. How many take the train from say Billingham to Middlesbrough, that is all that this Metro is offering, with a couple of extra stops thrown in. You'd need multiple stations across each town if it isn't simply going to be a hyped up development of something we already have.

Yep, if people have to walk more than about 5 mins to a station then you can forget it, they will take the car or get a taxi.

 

[Jonny_Rondos_Disco_pants]

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I’d add a stop at Norton between Stockton and Billingham and a branch off to Stillingyom and Sedgefield. I’d also extend line from Nunthorpe to Guisborough. I reckon you’d have Teesside region well covered and it would be a good idea.

I also agree re better (and leccy) bus service and better / more comfortable bus stops.

I'd run another line that branches off from Billingham that goes straight to Boro (Via Riverside) over a new bridge built to carry rail and road traffic, that heads towards Gizzy.

 

[Centralscrutinizer]

Trams are much more efficient, flexible and accessible for passengers. The idea of a "train" service is impractical and expensive. A public transport system needs literally to be on your doorstep, not a station miles away. Integrating trams with the roads does work - its surprising how driver habits change faced with a tram!

Birmingham:
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Nottingham
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Croydon
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Sheffield
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Manchester
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Middlesbrough is this far down the pecking order

 

[Jonny_Rondos_Disco_pants]

The other thing with using existing rails, is that projects at Darlo and Hartlepool will increase capacity for real rail network trains. A Dubai style above ground metro would do

 

[Acklam_Lad]

I'd run another line that branches off from Billingham that goes straight to Boro (Via Riverside) over a new bridge built to carry rail and road traffic, that heads towards Gizzy.

Would have to be a tunnel. The river has to remain navigable up to Newport bridge still

 

[JackG]

Whatever happened to our trolleybuses and the Tees-side Railless Traction Board?

 

[Jonny_Rondos_Disco_pants]

Would have to be a tunnel. The river has to remain navigable up to Newport bridge still

Or a bridge that opens, not much river traffic these days really

 

[dooderooni]

Working hours have changed dramatically over the years and exposed our public transport systems badly.
9 to 5, Monday to Friday is long gone and people travel further for work. Having a transport system that caters for workers needs is the only way you'll get cars off the roads. You also need to make public transport a safe mode of travel to encourage people to use it, particularly if you have to use it at odd hours if the day and night.
I know for a fact that I can't get to and from work by public transport and I'll probably be in the majority, be that because of distance or timing.