The first of the new trains being built by Stadler for the Tyne and Wear Metro has started testing outside of the depot. 555 003 made its first moves on the mainline in the early hours of Wednesday 10th May with the runs described as successful with the train reported as performing well.
The train ran between South Gosforth and Monkseaton and marked the first time that one of the new trains – of which 46 are being built – had run under its own power on the mainline. Previous tests had been confined to the depot and although they are delivered by rail these take place with the trains being towed.
Cathy Massarella, Major Projects Director at Nexus, said: “We’re really pleased to say that our new Metro train has completed its first test run out on the network and performed really well. This a considerable period of detailed testing to get the trains ready for our customers. Further test runs will be taking place over the coming weeks and months. It was a proud moment for us to see the train leave the depot at Gosforth and join the mainline. There were no glitches to report.
“The first test was from South Gosforth to Monkseaton and then back again. Other test runs will be taking place on different parts of the network. 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.
“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.”
It is planned that the first train will enter passenger service at the end of this year with the full fleet due to be operational by 2025. So far, three have been delivered to the Metro with more to follow later this year.
Claudius Oblasser, Stadler Project Manager, said: “The runs taking place last night mark the beginning of a rigorous programme of testing to interrogate the safety and performance of the entire fleet. Scores of tests will be carried out over the coming month to make sure it’s ready for passengers. They will cover every aspect of the train’s design, from the power supply and braking systems to digital passenger information boards and CCTV cameras. We’re pleased to have got to this point in the production process, which brings the fleet one step closer to entry into service.”
- Video of the test runs can be viewed at https://youtu.be/gnbjTIZGDtc