Bede Metro station

History

Unlike nearby Hebburn and Jarrow, which were converted from former British Rail stations, Bede was purpose-built for Tyne and Wear Metro network in the early 1980s.

Bede serves an area consisting mainly of industrial estates, with the station located adjacent to the J. Barbour and Sons clothing factory. The station also serves the 1st Cloud Arena, the home ground of South Shields F.C.

Future developments

During the 2020 Budget, the UK Government announced an investment of £95million towards the £103million Metro Flow project, which aims to increase capacity by up to 30,000 passenger journeys per day, and improve reliability on the branch line between Pelaw and South Shields. From September 2022, the project will include upgrading and electrifying a currently freight-only line, doubling three sections of single track between Pelaw and Bede, and purchasing four extra trains in addition to the 42 which have already been funded.

Facilities

The station has two platforms (situated at either side of a small bridge over Monksway), both of which have ticket machines (which accept cash, card and contactless payment), smartcard validators, sheltered waiting area, seating, next train audio and visual displays, timetable and information posters and an emergency help point. There is step-free access to both platforms by ramp, with platforms also accessed by stairs. There is cycle storage at the station, with two cycle pods.

Services

, the station is served by up to five trains per hour on weekdays and Saturday, and up to four trains per hour during the evening and on Sunday between South Shields and St James via Whitley Bay.

Accidents and incidents

• On 17 December 1915, at nearby St Bede's Junction, 18 people were killed and a further 81 injured, when a passenger train crashed into a banking engine in the early morning fog.

Notes

References

References

1. . (2017–2018). ["Tyne & Wear Metro usage figures"](https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/tyne_and_wear_passenger_numbers_2).
2. (11 March 2020). "Our £100m project to boost frequency and reliability on Metro".
3. (11 March 2020). "Rail in the 2020 budget".
4. Smith, Kev. (2020-03-11). "Midlands Rail Hub and Tyne & Wear Metro secure government funding".
5. Holden, Michael. (2020-03-12). "More trains on the Tyne and Wear Metro thanks to Government funded £100m project".
6. (2021-09-08). "Nexus to receive four additional Metro trains from Stadler".
7. "Timetables and stations: Bede".
8. Rolt, L. T. C.. (1982). "Red for danger: A history of railway accidents and railway safety". David & Charles.
9. Gerard, Malcolm; Hamilton, J A B (1984). ''Rails to Disaster, More British Steam Train Accidents 1906-1957''. London: Book Club Associates. p. 25. {{ISBN. 0-04-385103-7.