The GBP362 million project to modernize the Tyne and Wear Metro (Newcastle) network has reached a new milestone: all 46 new trains ordered from Swiss manufacturer Stadler have been delivered to the region.
The last train arrived at the Gosforth depot on the morning of February 21, marking the completion of deliveries that began in February 2023 with the arrival of the first Class 555 train.
The new trains began gradually entering commercial service at the end of 2024, and authorities estimate that the entire timetable will be operated exclusively with the new fleet by the summer.
Complete replacement of the old fleet
According to Nexus, the public authority responsible for the management and development of the Tyne and Wear Metro network, the last old trains are due to be withdrawn from service in late spring or early summer, with the decommissioned rolling stock being recycled.
“I am delighted to confirm that all 46 new trains for Tyne and Wear Metro have been successfully delivered. This is an important milestone for the project, which is nearing completion,” said Cathy Massarella, CEO of Nexus.
“I am delighted to confirm that all 46 new trains for Tyne and Wear Metro have been successfully delivered. This is an important moment for the project, which is nearing completion,” said Cathy Massarella, CEO of Nexus.
She noted that more than half of the new fleet is already available for commercial service, and the goal is for all 46 units to be fully operational by the end of the year.
Transported by rail from Switzerland
All trains were transported from the Stadler factory in Switzerland by rail, traveling approximately 1,800 miles across continental Europe and the UK through the Channel Tunnel.
“Almost three years after the arrival of the first vehicle, Stadler has successfully delivered all 46 trains customized for Nexus — a fleet tailored to the needs of the Tyne and Wear Metro network,” said Lucius Gerig, CEO of Stadler Switzerland.
Modern amenities and new accessibility standards
The new trains, configured following an extensive public consultation process (over 23,000 responses), include: The implementation of the new fleet is the largest and most complex project in the history of the Metro network, according to the operator.
- longitudinally arranged seats;
- sockets for charging mobile devices;
- air conditioning;
- 44 CCTV cameras per train;
- battery technology;
- modern accessibility standards, including an automatic retractable step for boarding without a gap between the platform and the train.
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