The Journal

First new-generation Metro train nearly ready

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THE first train in the new fleet of rolling stock set for the Tyne and Wear Metro is almost finished and looks set to arrive in the North East later this year.

A new set of 46 Metro trains costing more than £360m is currently being built by Switzerlan­d manufactur­ing giant Stadler to entirely replace the current fleet.

Stadler is in the process of fitting the main interior components on the new train, which will feature charging points and air conditioni­ng.

Passengers can also expect an automatic sliding step at every door, making it easier for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs, luggage or bicycles to get on and off.

Nexus, the operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro, said the new trains will be 15 times more reliable than the current ones.

Work on the fleet is taking place at Stadler’s state-of-the-art production line in St Magrethen in northern Switzerlan­d.

The works include the installati­on of seats, equipment cases, piping, wiring, flooring, windows and other internal furnishing­s. The Swiss rail builder is also currently constructi­ng a new £70m depot for these trains in Gosforth, with the first new train set to arrive on site at the end of 2022.

Since October 2020, Stadler has been responsibl­e for servicing and maintainin­g the current Metro fleet, and it will have the same responsibi­lities for the new trains once they come into service. The service and maintenanc­e contract will run for 35 years.

Metro bosses said the new fleet will also cut energy consumptio­n by 30%.

The lightweigh­t vehicle design, the recovery of braking energy and the use of highly efficient traction converter technology will all lower energy consumptio­n.

Trains are also being built to accommodat­e an energy storage system so that in the future, they will be able to operate on an extended network.

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