Platform staff would be a great idea in the peaks so 7:00-9:30 and then 16:00-18:00/18:30.
In the PM peak you are more likely to need them as people tend to wait around on the platforms until there train shows. For example, if they want a train to Fellgate they will wait until the South Hylton train.
During the peaks you could have 2 CSAs on platform duties at the key stations and then after the peaks are over, all the platform CSAs will meet somewhere and then do revenue control/blockade. You would have a group of around 8 since you have 4 platforms at Monument, 2 at Central, 2 at Haymarket, and 2 at Gateshead.
I didn't know drivers had a PA system. Well, he certainly didn't today... Standing at Pelaw junction to head towards Hebburn and we were stopped for 5 minutes at least and there wasn't a single peep from the driver.
I still don't understand why Metro can't have a rule similar to London Underground (LU) whereby after 30 seconds an announcement must be made. Most LU drivers tend to make an announcement straight away, people don't care then, but when there is no announcement people do wonder what the hell is going on.
Also, back to the barriers, I do hope that when the barriers are in operation (like today at Central) the inspectors don't stand right next to the barriers actually blocking you from touching out. They need to stand further forward so you still have to walk two or three paces to reach the barrier. The problem with the barriers is they have them too close to the escalators and this is already becoming a problem. Someone pushed the emergency stop button today on the escalator because they couldn't get off because the concourse was full. That however didn't stop the barriers being left closed in potentially dangerous circumstances.
If you're reading this Nexus (or Huw) could you respond to everything I've mentioned in this post? Also, what would be the chances of a public meet the managers session like previously in a conference room in Newcastle at around 6pm before Christmas?