Category Archives: Tyne and Wear Metro

Special interest groups get first look at the new Metro train

Nexus have recently invited special interest groups to experience the new Stadler Metro trains to allow them to also see how their feedback has shaped the final interior design. The groups have included people with visual and hearing impairments, physical … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Leave a comment

Tyne and Wear Metro continues to struggle with performance

The Tyne and Wear Metro is in a bit of a holding pattern at the moment as they wait for the introduction of their new trains whilst trying to maintain the 40 year old vehicles which continue to show their … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Leave a comment

Metro 4001 takes to the stage – kind of!

If you went to Newcastle’s Live Theatre to see a performance of Gerry and Sewell you may have been in for a surprise as on stage there is a full-sized replica of original Metrocar 4001! Finished off in the original … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Leave a comment

Sting goes for a ride on the Tyne and Wear Metro

When you’re given the Freedom of North Tyneside what’s the best way to get there to collect the award? Travel on the Tyne and Wear Metro of course! That’s exactly how music legend Sting travelled (after initially heading the wrong … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Leave a comment

Two million Metro journeys recorded on Pop Pay As You Go

Over two million extra Tyne and Wear Metro journeys have been generated through Pop Pay As You Go according to new figures released by Nexus. With discounted single and day Metro fares available using Pop it is increasing in popularity … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Leave a comment

Gosforth Depot sidings completed

Work on the major redevelopment/rebuild of the Tyne and Wear Metro Depot at Gosforth has hit another milestone with the completion of the final stabling sidings for the new fleet of trains currently being built by Stadler in Switzerland.

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Leave a comment

More testing for the new Metro fleet

As the anticipation of their entry into service continues to build, the new trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro which have already been delivered to the northeast are continuing to be put through their paces as part of the … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Leave a comment

Howdon viaduct inspected before Metro track renewal

The 1830 built Howdon Viaduct which has been used by the Tyne and Wear Metro for over 40 years has recently been undergoing in-depth inspections to check on its condition ahead of a plan of action for the complete track … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Leave a comment

Reduced Metro service to South Hylton after power cable damage

Tyne and Wear Metro services between Pelaw and South Hylton have been reduced after damage to a cable which powers the overhead wires on the Network Rail owned line which requires emergency repairs to allow full services to resume.

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on Reduced Metro service to South Hylton after power cable damage

Crush load tests take place on Tyne and Wear Metro new trains

The extensive testing programme for the new trains being built by Stadler for the Tyne and Wear Metro is continuing with the latest series concentrating on how they perform when they are full. The crush laden testing saw the trains … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | 1 Comment

More than two million extra journeys made on Metro thanks to Pop Blue smartcards

Young people have made more than 2.3 million journeys on the Tyne and Wear Metro using the Pop Blue smartcard, which gives them travel for just £1. The excellent value for money smartcard has helped to stimulate more journeys on … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on More than two million extra journeys made on Metro thanks to Pop Blue smartcards

New mural at Millfield Metro Station

A new mural celebrating the industrial past of Sunderland has recently been unveiled at Millfield Tyne and Wear Metro Station. The colourful and thought provoking piece of artwork has been created with the input of local community groups and was … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on New mural at Millfield Metro Station

Nexus launch poetry competition

For the third year running Nexus are offering the chance to a budding poet to see their work being displayed at a station on the Tyne and Wear Metro network. The competition was launched on National Poetry Day with entries … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on Nexus launch poetry competition

Whitley Bay Station restoration back underway

Work to restore the canopy at Whitley Bay Tyne and Wear Metro station is back on track after the appointment of a new contractor to complete the work. Work has been due to get underway in July but the original … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on Whitley Bay Station restoration back underway

More Metrocars go for scrap

The reliability of the outgoing (and original to the line in the 1980s) Metrocars and the anticipation of the introduction into service of the new Stadler trains currently being built for the Tyne and Wear Metro is rarely out of … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on More Metrocars go for scrap

Winners announced at Global Light Rail Awards

The annual Global Light Rail Awards took place on 4th October in London with systems and individuals across the world celebrating their success over the past 12 months. As the name suggests these are Global awards and as such it … Continue reading

Posted in Blackpool Tramway, Docklands Light Railway, Edinburgh Trams, Nottingham Express Transit, Tyne and Wear Metro, West Midlands Metro | Comments Off on Winners announced at Global Light Rail Awards

Testing continues of new Metro fleet – but project confirmed as five months behind schedule

Its been confirmed that the programme to introduce the new Tyne and Wear Metro fleet of trains (currently being built by Stadler) into service is running around five months behind schedule. It had been hoped the first would be in … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | 1 Comment

Metro Flow named best new rail engineering project

Metro Flow, the £104 million project to increase capacity on the Tyne and Wear Metro, has been recognised at the National Rail Awards. It was named Major Project of the Year at the prestigious ceremony whilst the Metro Customer Service … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on Metro Flow named best new rail engineering project

Record numbers carried on Metro during Great North Run – despite flooding disruption

Over 100,000 passengers travelled on the Tyne and Wear Metro to get to and from the Great North Run on Sunday 10th September, despite the fact that services were severely disrupted following the event due to heavy downpours causing flooding. … Continue reading

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on Record numbers carried on Metro during Great North Run – despite flooding disruption

Retired drivers swap the Metro for Beamish!

Three retired drivers who used to work on the Tyne and Wear Metro have found a new lease of life at Beamish where they are now playing the role of miners at the Colliery at the world famous museum.

Posted in Tyne and Wear Metro | Comments Off on Retired drivers swap the Metro for Beamish!