Tyne and Wear Metro ()

The Tyne and Wear Metro, an important component of public transport in the north-east of England, began operations on 11 November 1980, ushering in a new era of efficient urban mobility in the region. Serving Newcastle, Gateshead and the surrounding metropolitan areas, the metro system rapidly became an integral part of the daily commute for residents. Originally conceived to re-use existing railway lines, the Tyne and Wear Metro evolved into a dedicated light rail system, consisting of a network of both underground and above-ground sections. The network serves a total of 60 stations, with two lines covering 77.5 km (48.2 mi) of track. The metro is accessible from a mix of underground and above-ground stations. It has been described as "the first modern light rail system in the United Kingdom".