A significant milestone has been reached in the full introduction of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s new fleet of trains with the completion of driver training.

More than 200 Metro train crew, including drivers and operations managers, underwent an intensive training programme, with confirmation that the last group of drivers had completed their conversion course announced on Tuesday, 16th December.

The driver training programme included classroom-based teaching and practical sessions, and a state-of-the-art, fully immersive driving simulator at the Nexus Learning Centre in South Shields. The training programme also included driving the new trains on the Metro system whilst being observed by an instructor. Each course lasted three weeks and was followed by an assessment.

The instructors were a group of Metro drivers who had been trained by Stadler to drive the new trains. Four drivers were accommodated on each course, which started with basic familiarisation and the purpose of every button, pedal, and lever. Further training included the layout of the trains and driver’s cab with its buttons, functions, and display screens, the Train Control Management System, and how to operate the cab radio. Trainees were also instructed in train preparation, where they learned how to prepare trains for the start of a shift.

As part of their course, drivers were required to complete 4.5 hours in the simulator and undertake 6 hours of Metro driving under supervision before taking a final assessment.

“I’m delighted to confirm that we’ve completed the driver training programme on the new Metro fleet. It’s been a fantastic effort to get everyone through this essential training course in just 14 months. More than 200 employees, including drivers and operations managers, are now fully competent on the Stadler trains.

It’s another big milestone for the Metro fleet project, which is one of the biggest and most complex in our history. My thanks go to all the drivers for their hard work in passing the course, which has been a critical part of the fleet transition process. A huge amount of work has also been put in by our driver trainers, who have mentored their colleagues on the new trains and helped them to pass all of the required assessments.

The switch from the old Metro fleet to this one is a big step for our drivers, but they’ve really embraced that change, and they can be rightly proud of all their efforts. We continue to press on with the rollout of the new Metro trains, which are proving transformative for customers and our own workforce. Whilst a hugely complex project to deliver, they represent a bright future for the Tyne and Wear Metro.”

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus