New Tyne and Wear Metro train successfully completes its first test run on the rail network

The test is part of detailed prepartions to get the new trains entered into the service at the end of this year.

Nexus, the operator of Tyne and Wear Metro, has confirmed that the test went smoothly and that the new train had performed well.

The testing is the latest phase of the £362million new Metro fleet programme and it took place during in the early hours of the morning between South Gosforth and Monkseaton.

It was the first time that the newly built Metro train has had a run out on the mainline.

The Stadler Class 555 Metro train is undergoing a period of testing and driver training before it enters service for customers.

Cathy Massarella, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “We’re really pleased to say that our new Metro train has completed its first test run out on the network and performed really well.

“This a considerable period of detailed testing to get the trains ready for our customers. Further test runs will be taking place over the coming weeks and months.

“It was a proud moment for us to see the train leave the depot at Gosforth and join the mainline. There were no glitches to report.

“The first test was from South Gosforth to Monkseaton and then back again. Other test runs will be taking place on different parts of the network.

“Our customers, employees, specialist user groups and trade unions helped to design the new trains as part of a far-reaching consultation exercise that received 23,000 responses. We are getting a bespoke design from Stadler, with a sleek modern appearance, inside and out.

“These trains will have to go through a phase of rigorous testing on our network, and all our drivers will need to undertake a period of train handling experience during the implementation phase of the project.

“Once the trains are in service they are going to be transformative for our customers and our workforce in terms of comfort, quality and reliability.”

Nexus has 46 new trains with Stadler on order, with the new fleet expected to be fully in service by 2025.

According to Nexus, the new trains have been designed and shaped by customers, following 23,000 individual pieces of feedback.

The new fleet will include modern features such as charging points, air conditioning and linear seating, along with a step-change in accessibility.

There will be an automatic sliding step at every door to enable seamless boarding and make travel easier for wheelchair passengers, as well as people with buggies, luggage or bicycles.

Last week, Nexus revealed that the current Metro fleet will undergo a major deep cleaning and repair works programme.

The work is aimed at improving the current customer experience during the transition to the new trains.

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