Member Article

Date set for Tyne Tunnel radio service

Drivers using the Tyne Tunnel will be able to continue listening to their favourite radio station as they pass under the river when rebroadcast equipment goes live on Thursday 1 March. The decision to install rebroadcast equipment has been taken to improve information to drivers, particularly during the construction of the second vehicle tunnel. At present, only Metro FM is available to drivers passing through the Tyne Tunnel, but from March 1, they will be able to listen to the major local and national stations. The new equipment will allow Tunnel staff to break into broadcasts and speak to drivers through their radios in the event of an emergency.

Councillor Tom Hanson, vice chairman of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, said: “This equipment will improve our service to customers at an important time in the development of the New Tyne Crossing. It will further enhance safety and our capacity to provide information to drivers.”

Radio stations who have signed up to the new service include BBC Radio 1–5, BBC Radio Newcastle, Century FM, Classic FM, Galaxy, Magic, Metro FM, Sun FM, and Talksport.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .