Now that new Class 555 trains are running on the Tyne & Wear Metro, Nexus has outlined how the rest of the fleet of trains will be brought into service.
The new trains will be rolled out in phases. Construction started in 2021, and half of the 46 new trains are planned to be in service by the end of this year.
The first new train entered service on 18th December 2024, and all will be in service over the next two years.
Both new and the current Metro trains will be in service at the same time, but as more new trains enter service the older trains will be withdrawn.
On average, new trains will enter service at the rate of one or two per month after extensive testing.
To prepare Metro’s 200 drivers to operate the new trains, they are currently undergoing conversion training, including classroom-based learning, use of a state-of-the-art Metro train driving simulator, and on-board the new trains.
The driver training programme began in late 2024 and is planned to be completed in early 2026.
As the old Metro trains are removed from service, parts and components will be removed to keep the remaining old units operational.
“As we get more Metro drivers trained up and more new trains here from the Stadler factory in Switzerland, then the introduction of new trains will move forwards. Eventually we’ll see more new trains on the system than the old ones, and within two years, all of the old trains are scheduled to be gone completely. The roll out is a complex mix of continued technical performance monitoring, tweaking operational practices, and understanding how customers are interacting with the range of new features of the train. This is a standard part of the introduction process, and we continue to work closely with Stadler to review and continually learn. This is why we have taken a careful phased approach to fleet introduction. The testing process is a vital part of the programme and I am pleased to say that the it has gone well. We have worked closely with Stadler and our own workforce every single step of the way. Thousands of checks have been carried out and many thousands of kilometres covered during the testing process. We are now training 200 Metro drivers on the new trains. This has to be done in small groups so that they can master the leap from the old-style train to the new technology of the Stadler units. It’s a big change for our drivers. The driver conversion training is broken down with a blend of classroom and practical train driving lessons.”
Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement at Nexus
Responses
The new Tyne and Wear Metro Class 555 will help to reduce overcrowding including at rush hour along its entire network.
I have to admire on what Stadler have achieved in since they built and manufactured the Class 231, Class 745, Class 755, Class 756 and Class 777 and new subway trains for the Glasgow Subway.
And are to continue on with the Class 398 tram-train. Just like they have done with the Class 398 tram-train used in Sheffield and Rotherham. And they could potentially manufacture new London Underground tube trains for the Bakerloo Line to replace the 1972 Stock in the near future.