The first of 46 new trains being built for the Tyne and Wear Metro by Stadler has started testing in Switzerland ahead of its eventual entry into service, hoped to be in 2023. Footage released by Nexus shows the train moving at a special inspection and commissioning facility and is just the first step towards the trains being cleared for service.
The footage shows the train with its external number of 555 001 on the cab side (they have been designated class 555 as part of the railway TOPS system as they run on Network Rail tracks) and the mainly grey and yellow livery as it runs gently passed the camera within the facility at Erlen. This is all part of dynamic and static testing.
Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Renewal at Nexus, said: “It’s brilliant to see the first new Metro train moving along the Stadler test track. This is a really important phase of the project as the first few units undergo rigorous testing before we start taking delivery of them. This new footage gives our customers a glimpse of what the new trains will be like as we countdown to the first one arriving in North East England at the end of the year. The video shows the new train at Stadler’s commissioning and start-up centre in Switzerland. This where they send new trains fresh from the production line for inspection, testing and commissioning. The new trains are going to deliver a step-change in quality for our customers when they start entering full service next year and we are really excited to see them taking shape.”
Before the trains enter service in the northeast, two will head to the Czech Republic where they will be put their paces on a much longer test track. This is also where Metro drivers will get their first chance to drive on in real life as opposed to on the state of the art simulator. The first of the trains will then arrive on Metro metals – currently due to be December – before further testing and commissioning takes place. Its only then that they will enter service.
In total 46 trains are on order. They are much longer than the current fleet (which is why only 46 are needed) and will include an automatic sliding step at each door to make them fully accessible.
- The video is available on You Tube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0t1zYAOEow