[citation needed] Unlike nearby Hebburn and Jarrow, which were converted from former British Rail stations, Bede was purpose-built for Tyne and Wear Metro network in the early 1980s.

[citation needed] Bede serves an area consisting mainly of industrial estates, with the station located adjacent to the J. Barbour and Sons clothing factory.

The station also serves the 1st Cloud Arena, the home ground of South Shields F.C..[citation needed] During the 2020 Budget, the UK Government announced an investment of £95 million towards the £103 million Metro Flow project, which aims to increase capacity by up to 30,000 passenger journeys per day, and improve reliability on the branch line between Pelaw and South Shields.

From September 2022, the project will include upgrading and electrifying a currently freight-only line, doubling three sections of single track between Pelaw and Bede, and purchasing four extra trains in addition to the 42 which have already been funded.

[2][3][4][5][6][excessive citations] The station has two platforms (situated at either side of a small bridge over Monksway), both of which have ticket machines (which accept cash, card and contactless payment), smartcard validators, sheltered waiting area, seating, next train audio and visual displays, timetable and information posters and an emergency help point.