A passenger group has welcomed the end of an era, as the Tyne and Wear Metro’s old fleet of trains nears its final journeys. Metro operator Nexus confirmed on Tuesday that the few surviving remnants of its original fleet are scheduled to run for the last time during the week of 22 June.
The outdated carriages have been running since the Metro system opened in 1980, when a ticket cost just eight pence, and have clocked up roughly half a billion kilometres in the intervening 46 years.
Having far surpassed their expected 30-year lifespan and suffered from mounting reliability problems over their more recent history, the Class 599 units are being replaced by the new Stadler fleet that has been gradually rolled out since late 2024.
Many passengers may feel a tinge of sadness as the old trains exit the tracks this month, having become such an essential element of life in Tyne and Wear for tens of thousands of people over the last four decades.
Rail enthusiasts are particularly fond of their front window next to the driver’s cab, which is not replicated in the new trains, and concerns have been repeatedly raised about an absence of grab handles to help passengers steady themselves on the Swiss models.
NEPTUG comment
But the North East Public Transport Users Group (NEPTUG) said on Tuesday that it hoped that the overdue farewell to the old fleet would usher in a brighter future, with more frequent and reliable services that Metro users can depend on.
NEPTUG co-chair Alistair Ford said: “The old Metro trains are part of the fabric of the North East, and were vital for Tyne and Wear’s ground-breaking integrated public transport system. Many users have fond memories of them but they have served their time and passengers have waited too long for the baton to be handed over to the new trains.
“We can look back on the old Metros as a symbol of a time when the North East had ambition and optimism for world-class public transport, and seeing them soldier on for the last decade has shown how vital it is that we have continuous investment in transport infrastructure in this region.
“Some passengers may be sad to see them go and will miss some of their features, like comfortable forward-facing seats and plenty of handrails, but we look forward to the improvements to reliability and frequency that the new trains will bring.”
There were originally 90 bespoke Metro carriages built in Birmingham by train manufacturer Metro-Cammell in the 1970s, which coupled to make 45 sets.
Only six sets remain available for use today, with most of the old units being sent to a scrapyard in Bishop Auckland to be broken apart and recycled.
Salvaging trains
Two are being retained as historical artefacts, one of which has been donated to the Stephenson Steam Railway in North Tyneside, while another has been given to the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to use in firefighter training.
Keith Merrin, director of North East Museums, said: “For over four decades the Tyne and Wear Metro system has connected communities, supported economic growth and has become a part of daily life across the North East. As the original fleet leaves service this month, North East Museums is thrilled to have the first Metro prototype train, carriage 4001, as part of its collection.
“We’re able to preserve the story of the Tyne and Wear Metro for future generations and we’re proud to celebrate its innovation, ambition and public service that has made it an iconic part of life in the North East.”
