Nexus who owns and operates the Tyne & Wear Metro has revealed that two new trains are now able to move off of Stadler‘s production line in Switzerland and are now ready for a thorough process called dynamic and static testing.

The trains will be moved to a bigger testing track based in the Czech Republic for the process to be carried out.

TIn addition to the testing, some Metro drivers given the opportunity to drive one for the first time.

Photographs in the video below, from the Stadler factory, show off the new train’s modern carriage interior, new seating and handrails alongside the iconic Metro logo.

Metro will see the very first new train arrive before the end of the year.

Head of Fleet and Depot Renewal at Nexus, Michael Richardson, said:

“I’m delighted to say that the first couple of new Metro trains are complete and are about to roll off the production line over in Switzerland.

“Stadler will then need to put the trains through a testing phase which will take a few months.

“Once that is complete the first new Class 555 Metro train will be ready to be brought over to the UK, which will be a historic moment for the Tyne and Wear Metro and for our region.

“These new trains are going to deliver a step-change in quality for our customers when they start entering full-service next summer.”

The order between Nexus and Stadler will see a total of 46 new Metro trains built and will see delivery take place up to 2024.

The new trains will bring advancement in both comfort and quality alongside a reduction in energy usage of 30% and will also see modern features such as charging points, and air-conditioning marking a step-change in accessibility. Further features of the new trains are an automatic sliding step at each door, which will make travel easier for the 50,000 wheelchair passengers and people travelling with children’s buggies, luggage and bikes on Metro.

Stadler is also building a new £70 million Metro depot which is close to being completed and is located in Gosforth, Newcastle and will create a contemporary home for the new trains.