THE operators of the Tyne and Wear Metro system are likely to charge pensioners and children more next year because not enough people have been using the new Sunderland extension.

Nexus announced yesterday that it was proposing the increase in concessionary fares from the New Year because the cost of the extension was not being covered by fares.

Nexus director Mike Parker said a study five years ago had overestimated the number of people that would use the extension.

He said: "At the moment we are far below the original projections and, of course, we have got the costs of the drivers and maintenance of stations.

"But we have not got the number of people travelling and therefore have not got the revenue, and are looking at the moment at a shortfall this year and next year at something like £3m.

"We believe that even a maximum fare of 50p represents good value for money for journeys anywhere in Tyne and Wear."

Meanwhile, some early morning Metro services will be suspended on two consecutive Sundays this month to allow essential engineering work to be completed.

The work, in the Pelaw area, will mean the suspension of Metro services between Heworth and South Shields and Heworth and South Hylton tomorrow and Sunday next week until about 11.30am.

Nexus will provide replacement buses on both mornings.