Metro passengers have been left frustrated by repeated setbacks in the arrival of the long-promised new fleet, which will replace the outdated carriages which have served the region since 1980 and have become increasingly unreliable.
The first of 46 Swiss-built trains were meant to be in use on the rail network in summer 2023 and were already behind schedule before a new problem emerged this January with their traction system, which forced operator Nexus to push back their introduction even further.
A fix has subsequently been found for that issue and transport bosses say the fleet is on course to begin its rollout into the Metro timetable by the end of this year, having hit a couple of key milestones in recent weeks.
However, Nexus chiefs are still reluctant to publicly announce a more specific start date.
Three of the nine trains already delivered to the North East by Stadler have now completed the required mileage they need to during their testing phase, while the majority of the new fleet has now been built at the manufacturing giant’s factory in Switzerland.
Michael Richardson, head of fleet and depot replacement at Nexus, said: “The detailed fleet testing programme continues to make good progress and our aim is to get the first new train into service by the end of 2024. The daytime testing phase began in May, which is allowing for a process known as kilometre accumulation, putting the trains through their paces by simulating customer service.
“Three of the nine Stadler trains we have had delivered have now completed their kilometre accumulation. That process will continue and the next step will be the wider Metro driver training programme.
“Another major milestone has also recently been achieved with Stadler having now built more than half of the 46 new trains that we have on order. A total of 25 new trains are complete. Two more new trains will be getting delivered next month, and more deliveries are scheduled for October and November.”
As well as being more reliable and environmentally friendly than the ailing carriages that have served Tyne and Wear since 1980, the new trains will boast a range of modern features such as air conditioning, USB charging points, and improved CCTV.
Their arrival has long been heralded as a critical moment for the Metro and the North East’s transport infrastructure as a whole, with the network having been plagued for years and delays and cancellations as a result of trains breaking down.
Mr Richardson added: “The roll out of the new Metro trains is the biggest and most complex project in our history. Before entering customer service around 22,000 standards and clauses must be complied with, 90,000 individual tests completed, and 480 of our people given extensive training. All of this is to ensure that the new trains work safely and seamlessly with Metro’s 60 stations and 77km of track.
“We’re really excited to get the new Metro trains into service. They are going to be transformative for customers and for our workforce, bringing a step change in comfort and reliability. Our customers will continue to see the new trains on the system during the daytime testing phase over the coming months.”
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