The Project 39 million scheme includes more security cameras

Nexus say the security system is part of an ambitious plan - called Project 39 Million - to attract 2.3 million new passengers this year.

They also promise to provide better information for customers, an improved timetable and increased train punctuality and reliability.

Latest figures show Metro has carried 517,000 more passengers to date this year than last and is ahead of target for 39 million passengers by the end of the financial year in March 2004.

'Early days'

Director general, Mike Parker, said the organisation was confident of success.

He said: "Although it's very early days we can clearly see more passengers getting on board every day.

"Thankfully, the recent problems we had with things like points and signals are well behind us now and we're back up to speed and running the kind of Metro service our passengers rightly expect.

"The recent changes to the timetable have also helped by allowing us to rationalise Metro services and ensure we get trains to where people want them when they want them there.

"It's clearly working as we've had emails and letters from passengers actually thanking us for sorting out the trains in their particular area."