University Metro station

University is a Tyne and Wear Metro station, serving the University of Sunderland and suburb of Ashbrooke, City of Sunderland in Tyne and Wear. It joined the network on 31 March 2002, following the opening of the extension from Pelaw to South Hylton.

University
Tyne and Wear Metro station
General information
LocationAshbrooke, City of Sunderland
England
Coordinates54°54′10″N 1°23′32″W / 54.9027916°N 1.3920960°W / 54.9027916; -1.3920960
Grid referenceNZ390566
Transit authorityTyne and Wear PTE
Platforms2
Tracks2
Construction
Bicycle facilities6 cycle pods
AccessibleStep-free access to platform
Other information
Fare zoneC
History
Original companyTyne and Wear Metro
Key dates
31 March 2002Opened
Passengers
2017/180.22 million[1]
Services
Preceding station Tyne and Wear Metro Following station
Millfield
towards South Hylton
Green Line Park Lane
towards Airport
Location
University is located in Sunderland
University
University
University is located in Tyne and Wear
University
University
Location in Tyne and Wear, England

History

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The station is located on the alignment of the former Penshaw branch of the York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway, the line having closed to passengers in May 1964, following the Beeching Axe.[2]

University is the nearest station to the University of Sunderland's City Campus, with the campus located about 300 m (980 ft) north east of the station. The University of Sunderland is also served by the station at St. Peter's – this being the nearest to The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St. Peter's.[3][4]

Along with other stations on the line between Fellgate and South Hylton, the station is fitted with vitreous enamel panels designed by artist, Morag Morrison. Each station uses a different arrangement of colours, with strong colours used in platform shelters and ticketing areas, and a more neutral palate for external elements.[5]

Facilities

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Step-free access is available at all stations across the Tyne and Wear Metro network, with ramped access to both platforms at University. The station is equipped with ticket machines, waiting shelter, seating, next train information displays, timetable posters, and an emergency help point on both platforms. Ticket machines are able to accept payment with credit and debit card (including contactless payment), notes and coins.[6][7] The station is also fitted with smartcard validators, which feature at all stations across the network.[8][9]

There is no dedicated car parking available at the station. There is the provision for cycle parking, with six cycle pods available for use.[10]

Services

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As of April 2021, the station is served by up to five trains per hour on weekdays and Saturday, and up to four trains per hour during the evening and on Sunday.[11]

Rolling stock used: Class 599 Metrocar

References

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  1. ^ "Tyne & Wear Metro usage figures". 2017–2018. Retrieved 21 August 2019.
  2. ^ "Disused Stations: Hylton Station". Disused Stations. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  3. ^ "City of Sunderland and University Campuses" (PDF). University of Sunderland. December 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  4. ^ "Map of the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's" (PDF). University of Sunderland. December 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  5. ^ "'Station Colours' by Morag Morrison". Nexus. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Metro passengers feel the benefit of contactless payment". Nexus. 13 January 2014. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  7. ^ "Revamp for Metro ticket machines". BBC News. 11 December 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  8. ^ "City Metro stations get new smart ticket machines and gates". Nexus. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  9. ^ "Pop card validators at Metro stations are put through their paces". Nexus. 21 March 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  10. ^ "Timetables and stations: University". Nexus. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  11. ^ "Timetables and stations: University (Sunderland)". Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
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