New Tyne and Wear Metro train arrives in Newcastle

The first of the brand new Metro trains has arrived in Newcastle, after making the 900-mile trip from Switzerland.

Swiss train manufacturer Stadler has partnered with Nexus to build 46 new trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro service in a deal worth £362million.

A Stadler spokesperson said: “So far, four units have received what is called ‘pre-delivery acceptance’, which basically means that four units have been completed and inspected in the factory in Switzerland, ready for testing to commence.”

The spokesperson went on to say that the train that has recently arrived in Newcastle and will undergo further testing to and comply with industry safety standards.

“Testing will cover every aspect of the trains’ design from the traction supply and braking systems to digital passenger information screens and CCTV cameras” said a Stadler spokesperson.

“Tests will take place while the train is stationary and also when it’s moving.”

The new trains include many new features including: charging points, air conditioning and an automatic sliding step at every door which will make travel easier for Metro’s wheelchair passengers.

Stadler have already got a presence in the UK, after completing the 53-strong fleet of Metro trains onto Merseyrail earlier this year. They have also completed the first of 35 FLIRTs for Transport for Wales which has entered commercial operations on the Wales & Borders network.

Martin Kearney, managing director of Metro operator Nexus, said: “To see that train arriving at our Gosforth depot was a moment of history for the Tyne and Wear Metro. Everyone is excited to get the testing and driver training process underway, so that we can put the new train into service on the network.

“All of the new trains are due to arrive by 2025, with the first entering service this autumn after a period of local testing and driver training. It is hoped that passengers will notice a spectacular change in their journeys.”