The Newcastle Metro operator nexus has been roundly congratulated by regular passengers for providing ‘a seamless transition to the metro replacement service’ and for ensuring that passengers enjoy a ‘truly authentic Metro experience.’
The service between the North Shields and Byker stations has been closed to allow for the construction of new platforms, train lines and ASBO-sensitive sentry guns. In the meantime, a replacement bus service has been operating from directly outside the affected stations, give or take a mile or two.
‘It has been an absolute pleasure to use the replacement service and I can’t fault it,’ said Brian Turner of North Shields, who was exactly 23 minutes late for work. ‘They’ve taken all the aspects of the Metro that people love and squeezed them into a smaller, later and even worse smelling package which really gets you ready for the long day ahead.’
‘It is the attention to detail that makes it such a winning and authentic experience’, said Mrs. Ableworth of Tynemouth. ‘When I paid for my ticket I didn’t get my change back, I couldn’t find a seat that wasn’t soaked with Fosters, and the half-eaten sausage roll smeared on the window was an inspired addition. I hardly noticed the difference.’
The new line is due to open again on the 3rd of April but users remain hopeful that the replacement service might become permanent. ‘By creating the replacement bus service, Nexus has clearly raised the bar as much as it has its prices,’ according to Angela Brown of the ‘Say No To Tracks’ campaign.
‘Our supporters have never enjoyed the ride to work, via Meadowell, as much as they are at the moment. We believe it is time to make a stand; as we have been doing for the last 45 minutes. Can you see the bus yet?’
