A further nine trains a day between New Bridge Street and the northern end of the Blyth and Tyne called at South Gosforth.

Branch trains, which remained steam hauled, were stabled on a loop line to the south-east of the station between services.

The replacement diesel trains provided a slower and less frequent service, and this loss was one of the driving factors for the eventual establishment of the Tyne and Wear Metro.

The station reopened as part of the Tyne and Wear Metro on 11 August 1980, following the opening of the first phase of the network, between Haymarket and Tynemouth via Four Lane Ends.

The station is equipped with ticket machines, a waiting shelter, seating, next train information displays, timetable posters, and an emergency help point on both platforms.

It is responsible for operating the network's signalling and electrical supply, as well as being used to communicate with train drivers and other staff, using two-way radio equipment.