First new Stadler train for Tyne and Wear Metro approaches completion
STADLER HAS released an image of the first train being built for Tyne and Wear Metro as it nears completion on the production line in St. Magrethen, northern Switzerland.
The new 46-strong five-coach train fleet for Metro is destined to replace the existing Metro-cammell Metrocars, which date from 1980 and are considered to be life-expired.
The first members of the new fleet are expected to be delivered later in the year to a specially-built £70 million depot being constructed at Gosforth. The fleet is being built at a cost of £362 million and will bring a whole host of improved features for passengers, such as air conditioning and charging points, as well as improved accessibility and automatic sliding steps at each door to provide step-free level access from platforms. Since October 2020, Stadler has been responsible for servicing and maintaining the existing Metro fleet, and the company will also be responsible for the maintenance of the new trains once they are introduced into passenger service.
The service and maintenance contract between Metro operator Nexus and Stadler is due to run for 35 years.
Work is also underway on the production of 276 bogies (six for each train), which is taking place at Stadler’s factory in Valencia. These will be fitted to the new trains before they arrive in the North East.
Stadler has also pledged to support the regional economy and involve as many Tyne and Wear-based companies in the project as it can. It is using local suppliers for materials and services required in connection with the depot construction, the manufacturing of the new trains, and the ongoing service and maintenance of the current train fleet.