When Stadler were announced as the winning bid to construct the new fleet of trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro there was controversy in the local area as Hitachi – who have a factory in the region – had been shortlisted but were unsuccessful with complaints about not securing local jobs. It has now been confirmed that Stadler are to work in partnership with Newcastle University to “promote shared learning and innovation” as part of their “commitment to North East England”.
Newcastle University and Stadler have come to this formal arrangement where they will work together on a broad range of initiatives with a “memorandum of understanding” signed to endorse this partnership.
They will work together on all aspects of the Metro fleet programme, including the technology and knowledge required for their construction as well as maintaining them at the depot in Gosforth. Joint projects will cover research, education, innovation, energy conservation at a systems level, condition monitoring and driver training. The agreement will be for an initial five years.
Rob Baxter, Managing Director of Stadler Rail UK, said: “Stadler is very pleased to have signed this agreement with Newcastle University. Both our business and the university put a premium on research, education, innovation and enterprise, and I look forward to a successful partnership, which I am confident will enhance and enrich the two organisations.”
Dr Roberto Palacin, Reader in Transport Futures at Newcastle University, added: “”I am delighted that our relationship with Stadler is formalised through this MoU to closely collaborate in specific innovative projects related to the design, operation and maintenance to the new Metro fleet as well as enhancing our educational offer in engineering, providing a long-lasting positive impact to our city, region and beyond.”
Stadler has already pledged to use local suppliers for materials and services required for the reconstruction of the depot, the manufacturing of the new trains and the ongoing service and maintenance of both the legacy fleet and the new trains.