NEWCASTLE-Upon-Tyne transport authority Nexus will launch a public consultation next month on plans to renew the Tyne and Wear Metro train fleet as it prepares a bid for funding from Britain’s Department for Transport (DfT).

A 20-year plan to invest £1bn in metro and regional rail services around Newcastle and Sunderland was approved by the leadership board of the North East Combined Authority (Neca) on July 19.

NEWCASTLE transport authority Nexus announced on March 14 that it does not intend to renew DB Regio's contract to operate the 75km Tyne & Wear Metro network.