Eight experienced Metro drivers have recently driven one of Metro’s new multi-million-pound trains built by Stadler at a special test track at Velim in the Czech Republic.

The drivers form the Metro Futures Traincrew Specialist Team, and put the train through its paces to experience the modern technology that is going to transform their job. With advanced digital systems, every function is at drivers’ fingertips, including onboard computerised controls set in a modern ‘space-age’ driving cab.

They drove the Class 555 Metro around Velim’s 4km test track, accompanied by Stadler Engineers to guide them in using the controls which they had spent many months helping to design, and learning about the new technology and its capabilities.

Nexus, the public body that owns and manages Metro, said it was a significant moment for the £362m project before the first new train, which was designed with extensive consultation with employees, arrives in North-East England.

The new trains feature adaptive traction control with built-in rail sanding that allows drivers to cope with the toughest autumn and winter conditions. Drivers can also view cameras throughout the train and speak directly with customers if necessary.

Twenty Metro drivers have also become learning and development specialists so that they can use their expert knowledge of the new trains to train their fellow drivers using Metro’s state-of-the-art simulator.

Craig Pearson, a Traincrew Specialist, and Metro Driver with ten years’ experience was one of those who travelled to the Czech Republic and was one of the first drivers to drive the new Metro train. He said: “It was a huge moment for me to drive the new Stadler Metro train for the first time. The technology that these new trains offer us are going to be transformative and are a world away from the old fleet.

“Everything is at your fingertips in the new drivers’ cab. The layout is better and the computerised control systems are amazing. It’s a huge jump from analogue to digital technology.

“It was a fantastic trip to be a part of and after two years of hard efforts from the Traincrew Specialists team to get this train just right for us as drivers and our customers.

“We have worked on designs, computer-aided drawings and a cab mock-up to guide us, but to see the train and actually drive it really was a ‘pinch yourself’ moment.

“It was an honour to be in the first group to head out to the test centre in the Czech Republic, and to be the first ever driver of the new fleet is something I will treasure forever.

“The new train is very smooth, quiet, and comfortable to drive and will undoubtedly improve our working environment.

“We really can’t wait to continue this journey and to welcome the new fleet to the North East. There is a lot of work still left to do, with testing and commissioning beginning as soon as the first unit arrives here, but there is a lot of excitement within our team, across our staff at Metro, and Nexus, and of course, our customers who will benefit above all from the new layout, comfort, security and reliability. It really is a massive step forward for Metro.”

Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement Programme at Nexus, Michael Richardson, said: “It’s fantastic that our first group of Metro drivers have had the chance to drive the new Stadler train over on the test track for the first time.
“It’s a really exciting moment for them, and a very important one, given that our Specialists are the drivers who have been designated the task of helping to deliver the new fleet into service later this year.

“Everyone who went out to the test facility in the Czech Republic was wowed by the new train. The technology and cab layout offer a far better driving experience. The digital technology will be transformative.

“We currently have 177 drivers who need to undergo training on the new fleet. Everyone will get time in the special simulator ahead of driving one of the new trains on our network for real.”

Adrian Wetter, Project Manager for Stadler, said: “Nexus staff driving the train on test at the test centre in Velim represents another step forward in the process to deliver a new fleet for the Tyne and Wear Metro. These trains have been designed with drivers – as well as customers – in mind. We are pleased that their first experience of driving one of them was successful, and will continue to work closely with Nexus throughout the testing period over the next few months.”