Dynamic testing of ‘555’ begins

The first new Stadler Class 555 has begun dynamic testing on a test track in Erlen, Switzerland. Two of the first new trains from a £362 million 46-strong fleet on order for Tyne & Wear Metro will then be sent to the much longer Velim test track in the Czech Republic. The first electric multiple unit is then scheduled to arrive on Tyneside in December, to undergo further testing on the metro network before entering passenger service.