Metro vape ban comes into force
Getty ImagesPassengers caught vaping on the Tyne and Wear Metro can now be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.
Operator Nexus introduced the new byelaw banning vapes and electronic cigarettes on the trains and at stations following customer feedback.
The new rule came into effect on 1 July, but so far no one had been fined, Nexus said.
It brings the rules in line with the existing smoking ban, which has been in place since the system opened in 1980.
Nexus said vaping was the single most frequent specific issue that Metro customers report.
The new byelaw came into effect following a statutory period of consultation which is required by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The DfT has now approved the byelaw.
A Metro enforcement officer previously told the BBC that most people using vapes were children.
Operations director at Nexus Kevin Storey said: "The overwhelming majority of our customers who vape are considerate and refrain from doing so on Metro.
"The minority of people who vape on our property should be aware of the introduction of the byelaw and the potential for being issued with a fine."