'Extend the Metro to Hartlepool' - what you said about the North East's 'expensive and old' public transport system

Would you be in favour of extending the Tyne and Wear Metro as far south as Hartlepool?

You were responding to our Facebook poll, prompted by the revelation that three times as much is spent per person on public transport in London than the North East.

At the time of writing, just under half of you – 49% – said you actually used buses or trains in our area.

Linda Wallis wrote: “I can't use public transport for work and can't use it to go out in the evening as you can't get back to Hartlepool from Newcastle or Sunderland if you've been to the theatre.

Bryan Littler added: “There is very little to use compared to other places and what we have is expensive and old.”

Lynsey Collins commented: “It's expensive. Even when taking into account fuel use and parking charges it works out cheaper for my family and is more convenient. Besides, if I don't use my car I walk places.”

Adrian Paul said: “I’d like to see the Newcastle Metro extended to Hartlepool. Faster, more cost-effective and more reliable than the rail service. Would be good for the North East as a whole.”

Nicola East lamented: “I would like to use public transport, I always do in London but up here it's too unreliable and not really fit for purpose if you have plans in the evening.”

Tracey Vayro wrote: “We need more carriages on Hartlepool to Newcastle trains, two carriages is ridiculous on a weekend especially when the football season is on.”

Bonnie Pinder agreed, adding: “It's expensive, it's cramped, never enough carriages. I try not to use it.”

Northern, which runs rail services from the town to both Newcastle and Middlesbrough, is gradually introducing a new fleet of trains to replace its aged Pacer stock.

The company also announced a flash sale on Monday with 80,000 tickets on single journey tickets on sale for just 10p for adults and 5p for children up to the age of 15.

While most of the reader comments were directed towards Hartlepool’s trains, Joan Rich said: “I would just like a bus back in Elwick Road.”