Evening Shields Ferry Services Suspended Due to Crew Shortages

Passengers utilizing the Shields Ferry have been advised that evening crossings will be suspended for several weeks, a measure attributed to insufficient crew availability. Nexus, the operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro, announced that the ferry would implement a reduced timetable starting Monday, a schedule “likely” to remain in effect until January. Between Monday and Saturday, the final departure from South Shields is scheduled for 17:45 GMT, and the last crossing from North Shields at 18:00 GMT. Nexus stated that these adjustments are due to “unexpected challenges” with crew availability and expressed that it was “sorry for any inconvenience caused”. Sunday’s ferry crossings will continue without alteration. Nexus affirmed it was “working hard” to rectify the issue as quickly as possible. The operator also confirmed that no replacement bus services would be provided, citing that evening customer numbers are “so low”. Ferry tickets are valid for use on the Tyne and Wear Metro and on Go North East service number 9, which operates between North Shields and Jarrow. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.