The concession will run for between seven and nine years from April 1
next year. Other bidders included MTR Corporation, Hong Kong; a
consortium of Serco and NedRailways, Netherlands; and an in-house bid
from Nexus. DB Regio and Nexus were the two bidders to make the final
shortlist.
The decision to concession the operation of Tyne & Wear Metro will
unlock £300 million of government funding for modernisation, including
refurbishment of the train fleet and stations, and renewal of
infrastructure. A contactless fare collection system will also be
introduced during the period of the concession.
Around 400 staff will transfer to the concessionaire, with the remaining 270 remaining in Nexus employment.
 
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