By Alishia 16

We’re told to be independent, to take responsibility, to make our own way. But how are we meant to do that when the system we rely on keeps breaking down?

If you live in Newcastle or anywhere around Tyne and Wear, you know the Metro is a lifeline especially for young people. It gets us to school, college, work, and even just out with our mates. But lately? It’s been a nightmare.

Constant delays, sudden cancellations, trains getting stuck between stations – it’s become the new normal, and that’s the problem. 

When you’re 16 and relying on the Metro to get to your exams or college interviews, a broken-down train isn’t just annoying. It could actually mess up your future.

I’ve had mornings where I’ve left extra early, just to stand on a freezing platform watching the screen flash “Delayed” again and again. 

Once, I was late for school three times in one week. It wasn’t my fault, but I still got a warning. Teachers get frustrated, tell us off and they don’t even believe us when we say it’s the metro. 

It’s not just about education either. Some of my friends have part-time jobs they can’t always get to on time. Others have had to stop certain activities completely. Whether it’s youth groups, sports training or volunteering – getting there just isn’t reliable anymore.

For a lot of us, the Metro is our only option. Not everyone has parents who can drive them around. Not everyone can afford taxis when trains stop running. It feels like young people are forgotten when decisions are made about public transport.

All we want is a Metro we can count on. It’s not just about the trains; it’s our time, our plans, our opportunities.

This story was written by a young person as part of the Headliners Young Journalist programme. This project was made possible by the Million Hours Fund.