[2][3] During November 2008, Nexus invited potential bidders to declare an interest in a contract to run the operations side of the Metro on its behalf.

[7] In December 2009, DB Regio was named as the preferred bidder, with the contract for operating the system signed in February 2010, and the handover of the service taking place in April 2010.

[10] During April 2017, Nexus took over direct operation of Metro for a planned period of two years; at the time, it announced its intention to re-tender the contract at some future date.

In October 2014, the North East Combined Authority accepted a recommendation from Nexus to take forward a Quality Contracts Scheme as the best means of meeting this objective.

These include subsidised taxis, weekly community bus services between sheltered accommodation and supermarkets, a "companion card" allowing free use of public transport by caretakers, and specialist training and mentoring for people with learning difficulties.

These were located at: Following the coronavirus outbreak all of the shops were closed and staff were redeployed to assist at bus and Metro stations.