THE opening of a £98m extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro system to Sunderland could create up to 20,000 jobs, it has been claimed.
The Sunderland Direct line is regarded as important in the bid to attract more development in the city.
Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Colin Anderson said the link-up with Newcastle was the "most exciting advance in Sunderland in modern times".
He said he expected from 10,000 to 20,000 jobs to be created over the coming years as firms came to Sunderland to take advantage of the fast-track transport which the Metro will offer when it opens on March 31.
He was speaking at the Stadium of Light, where the business launch of Sunderland Direct was being held.
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