A Metro worker has taken a well-deserved retirement after almost 40 years maintaining its signalling system. John Eagle said he was proud to have played his part in the success of the Tyne and Wear Metro over so many decades.
John, 66, of Gateshead, has worked on Metro signalling since 1987, but he has now bid an emotional farewell to his colleagues – and a job that he describes as his passion. Metro operator Nexus said John was a true stalwart of Metro signalling maintenance and had given dedicated service spanning four decades.
John oversaw a team of unsung heroes who work through all weathers to fix the signals across the 77km Metro system. They look after 420 signals, 500,000km of cable, 133 customer information displays, and 350 junction boxes. Their work – which mostly goes unnoticed by the travelling public – is critical to the safe and smooth operation of Metro.
John said: “I’ve loved every minute of the job. I’m proud to have played my part in the success of the Metro system. As a railwayman, signalling maintenance is my passion. It’s in my blood.
“I’ve worked with some fantastic colleagues. I have been privileged to have a great team behind me over and very good managers who have always supported me.
“The public don’t really get to see what the signalling maintenance team do, but it’s absolutely vital work. They’re unsung heroes of Metro. The signalling equipment never gets switched off so it needs constant work. The technology is electromechanical. It’s been a great system for many years, but the time has now come for it to be replaced with new technology.
John, who dedicates his spare time to being an elected member of Gateshead Council, and is a former civic mayor of Gateshead, joined Metro after 10 years at British Rail.
Stuart Clarke, infrastructure director at Nexus, said: “John’s given us outstanding service to Nexus for many years and we wish him well for the future.
“He’s a true stalwart of our signalling team. His breadth of knowledge is second to none. He’s done some amazing work training up the next generation of signalling engineers, ensuring that Metro’s infrastructure is in safe hands for many years to come.”
Image credit: Nexus
