Metro ticket machine set for museum
A THIRTY-year-old Metro ticket machine has been donated to Tyne & Wear Museum for posterity.
The old machines are in the process of being replaced as part of the £385m Metro all change modernisation programme, with 225 having already being replaced at 60 stations.
Now one of the old, which first entered service when the system was opened in 1980, will go on public display.
Nexus director general Bernard Garner said: “The old Metro ticket machines have served the people of Tyne and Wear well for the last 32 years.
“The time has come to replace them with new technology, but it is also important that one of the old ticket machines is kept for posterity, and I’m thrilled to be able to hand one over to Tyne and Wear Museums for public display.”
John Clayson, keeper of science and industry for Tyne and Wear Museums, said the ticket machines were part of the region’s heritage.
“Millions of people have used them to travel for work, shopping and nights out,” he said.
“I’m sure the old machine will bring a smile to many people’s faces in future years – we all remember the struggle for change when arriving in a hurry at a Metro station.
“The new machines are much more convenient.
“We can’t display the machine immediately, but we will keep it safely until there is an opportunity to show Metro’s heritage, and meantime it will be seen on tours ‘behind the scenes’.
The remainder of the old Metro ticket machines are set to be scrapped.
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Tuesday 21 May 2013
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