Abstract
This report describes the studies which have been initiated by the Transport and Road Research Laboratory to monitor the impact of a new rapid transit system, the metro, on the metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear. The research is concerned with the effect of the transport changes on travel patterns, land use activities, property values, and pressure for development within the county. The extensive 'before' surveys are described. The first section of metro (Haymarket to Tynemouth) opened in august 1980 and limited monitoring exercises will continue until the system is fully operational in 1984. (Author/publisher)