Metro interior finalised

Tyne & Wear Metro operator Nexus has revealed images of the finalised interior design for its new 42-strong fleet of trains.

Construction of the five-car sets, which are being built by Stadler in Switzerland, is due to begin this month, with the first expected to enter public service in 2023.

Nexus says there were

23,000 responses to the online consultation process.

The feedback resulted in the addition of 12 tip-seats to each train, increasing the number of seats to 116, as well as more dedicated space for wheelchairs.

As this artist’s impression shows, a horizontal handrail has also been added to the wheelchair space – plus double grab poles for passengers, highlighted in yellow, along with markings for the multi-use and wheelchair space.

Walls and interior door facing colours have also been changed to provide a contrast.

Seat coverings and dividers will incorporate the system’s well known ‘M’ logo.