TYNE & Wear Metro operator Nexus has told The RM three potential rail reopening schemes are being considered for submission to the next round of the DepartmentforTransport's Restoring Your Railway Fund.
The South ofTyne & Wearside Loop would serve the town of Washington and the 370-acre International Advanced Manufacturing Park, which is in the early phases of development on Wearside.
It could see part of the disused Leamside Line utilised for a circular Metro service from South Shields.