Sunderland Public User Transport Group Meeting at The Fans Museum! 26/09/2024

Held on Thursday 26 September 2024 at the Fans’ Museum, Sunderland

1 – Introduction
The Chair Alec McFadden opened the meeting, welcoming all eight delegates in attendance. He thanked them for their time and participation in Sunderland Public Transport Users Group’s (SPTUG) ongoing work.

2 – Attendance
Alec McFadden (Chair)
Martin Harrison
Chris Lawlor
Geoff Wade
Sean Kelly
Phil Young
John Burke
Norman Jemison

3 –Approval of Minutes from Last Meeting
The minutes from our meeting held on 18 July 2024 were approved without any amendments.

5 –Matters Arising
5.1 Sunderland Bus Board Representation
The Chair informed the group that Cllr Lenard confirmed the next Sunderland Bus Board
meeting is scheduled for December 2024.
Additionally, SPTUG will now have two representatives on the Bus Board, following
amendments to its terms of reference.

6 –Washington Metro Loop & MetroCentre Expansion Proposal
Chris Lawlor and Phil Young introduced their report, which detailed an analysis of two major infrastructure
projects:
The Washington Metro Loop
Potential Extension to The MetroCentre
Phil Young outlined the key points of the report which focused on the comparative analysis of the two projects
currently being reviewed by the North East Combined Authority (NECA) and SPTUG. He emphasised that
while both projects hold immense potential, there are considerable differences in their costs, benefits and
strategic importance.

Phil stressed that prioritising the Washington Metro Loop is critical due to its potential to reintegrate the disconnected Washington area into the wider transport network. Phil Young submitted a further contribution via email, adding a post meeting note on Sunderland rail connections. He noted that Sunderland’s economic development has been hindered by the lack of direct rail links to key cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool. He called for the NECA to invest in the Durham Coast Line to increase line speeds and better serve coastal communities.  Phil also emphasised that the SPTUG should continue to push for additional direct rail links and improvements to the Durham Coast Rail Line, which could help driver passenger growth and support economic development in the region.

Chris Lawlor expanded on Phil’s points, highlighting the extensive economic and social advantages both projects could offer. He advocated for both expansions but agreed with Phil that the Washington Metro Loop should be prioritised to meet the urgent needs of Washington residents who currently lack a direct Metro connection. The Report also discussed the possible Metro Centre extension, which Alec supported, although he acknowledged concerns about commercial competition from other retailers and supermarkets if public funding were used. After an extensive debate, the majority of the group agreed that the Washington Metro Loop should be prioritised. It was decided that the proposal would be forwarded to the North East Mayor Kim McGuiness, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Martin Cannon and to the Newcastle Public User Transport Group.

7 – Chair’s Report
The Chair reported that SPTUG’s membership has grown to 33 members, including representatives from three unions (GMB, Unite and RMT). He also highlighted the continued collaboration between SPTUG and NECA in pushing for better public transport services across the region.

8 – Next Meeting
The date and venue for the next meeting of SPTUG will be confirmed closer to the time.
Meeting ends.
Alec McFadden
Chair of Sunderland PTUG