Tony Ridley memorial plaque unveiled at Newcastle Central Station

A commemorative plaque has been unveiled at Newcastle’s Central Metro station to honor Professor Tony Ridley, a civil engineer credited with driving the development of the Tyne and Wear Metro system. Ridley, who passed away in March at age 92, served as the Director General of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive from 1968 to 1975.

As a key member of the planning team, Ridley oversaw the project’s initial funding and the commencement of construction in 1974. His vision involved repurposing decaying rail lines and connecting them via city center tunnels and a bridge over the River Tyne.

Beyond his work in North East England, Ridley served as the first managing director of the Hong Kong Metro system and later managed the London Underground. He also held the position of President of the Institution of Civil Engineers and was an Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London.