First ‘555’ for Tyne and Wear Metro

Nexus and Stadler moved one stage closer to bringing new trains into Tyne and Wear Metro service on March 17, when they formally unveiled a Class 555 unit at South Gosforth depot. 

They will now start further testing and driver training before entering passenger service at the end of the year. 

“This is a new train whose design has been shaped by customers, employees, trade unions and specialist user groups,” said Nexus Managing Director Martin Kearney. “We believe this to have been the most far-reaching consultation yet staged into a new train design. Over 23,000 customer responses have helped to shape the design. 

“The hard work starts now to get the trains ready to go into service. The new Metro 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.” 

For train manufacturer Stadler, Programme Director Michael Steiner commented: “We are pleased also to be on the way to completing the new purpose-built depot, which will accommodate the new fleet.

“Configured to facilitate a range of activities, it will enhance efficiency and vastly improve the working environment, boasting a range of features to promote sustainability and the environment.” 

Read this article in full in RAIL issue 980 here

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