The Sunderland extension opened in April 2002

Metro operator Nexus appealed to Wearsiders to get on board after it failed to meet expected passenger numbers when the extension opened last year.

Twelve new stations were added on the nine-mile extension line, which runs from the existing Pelaw Station in South Tyneside in April 2002.

But Nexus director general Mike Parker told BBC Radio Newcastle he had been encouraged by recent figures.

'Very reliable'

"I am delighted to say that last week was the first week since we opened [the extension] that we have been ahead of budget.

"It think it was a bit of a blip, but a very, very encouraging blip.

"Certainly over the last few months numbers have been increasing and I'm pleased to say that since the turn of the year we have been running a very good service.

"We had a punctuality rate on Saturday of 96%. We are back to our old, very high level of reliability and punctuality.

"I think people vote with their feet. If they are getting a good service they come back and use the service more."