Tyne and Wear Metro’s new trains have passed an important milestone, as a train successfully completed its first test run along the Sunderland line. This follows its first test run on the network in May.

The test took place in the early hours of Saturday morning, and was part of preparing the new fleet for passenger service. Testing is taking place during the early hours of the morning when the Metro network is closed.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages the Metro, revealed that this was the first time that the new train has been on the track between Pelaw and South Hylton. It was also the first time it has crossed Monkwearmouth railway bridge in the centre of Sunderland.

Network Rail, which owns and manages the line beyond Pelaw, worked with Nexus in carrying out the test run.

The £362m programme will see a new fleet of Stadler Class 555 Metro trains entering service once they have completed testing and driver training. Swiss train manufacturer Stadler is building forty-six new Metro trains on behalf of Nexus.

Stadler has already delivered three new trains with two to follow later this month and more to arrive later this year. Trains will enter service in phases, with the aim of all running in service by 2025.

The Class 555 Stadler train is designed specifically for the Tyne and Wear Metro. Over the next few months, the train will undergo testing to ensure that it interfaces correctly with Metro signalling systems and infrastructure.

Nexus boasts that the new trains have a comfortable, air-conditioned, open-plan layout, with a sleekly modelled interior, and high standards for accessibility.

The design incorporated feedback from a public consultation, and includes modern features such as linear seating and charging points. Accessibility features include an automatic sliding step at every door, to enable seamless boarding and make travel easier for Metro’s fifty thousand passengers who use wheelchairs and for people travelling with children’s buggies, luggage or bicycles.

Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “I’m delighted to say that the new Metro train has completed its first test run on the Sunderland line.

“This was the first time the new train had been taken on a run through Sunderland, and the first time it had gone across the Monkwearmouth bridge across the River Wear.

“The testing of the new trains is going well, and we are working closely with our colleagues at Stadler so that we can get first new trains into service for our customers.

“This is a very detailed and vital process of testing ahead of drivers starting their training on the new Class 555 Metro.

“These trains will have to go through a phase of rigorous testing on our network, and all our drivers will need to undertake a period of train handling experience during the implementation phase of the project.

“Once the trains are in service they are going to be transformative for our customers and our workforce in terms of comfort, quality and reliability.

“Our customers, employees, specialist user groups and trade unions helped to design the new trains as part of a far-reaching consultation exercise that received 23,000 responses. We are getting a bespoke design from Stadler, with a sleek modern appearance, inside and out.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This is fantastic news. The new Metro trains are a huge step forward in public transport, not just for our city but for the region. I’m delighted the first test run went so well and I am sure I speak for us all when I say that I can’t wait to see the new trains enter service.”