The much anticipated entry into service of the new trains being built for the Tyne and Wear Metro looks as if it may be further delayed after the latest update from Nexus revealed that further tests have been identified before they can be used in service. The same update also gave information on what they are doing to improve the reliability of the current trains which are soldiering on to operate the service on the network.
With the project to introduce the new trains being described as the most important in the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro, Nexus say that it is making excellent progress in the introduction of the new trains which are being built by Stadler. So far, five of the planned 46 trains have been delivered to the northeast after a further two came in December. Before introduction into service the trains must comply with 22,000 standards and clauses whilst 90,000 individual tests have to be completed. 480 staff also have to be trained on the new trains.
Testing has been underway for a while now and during this further testing has been identified. This requires some systems to be tested under very specific conditions and they are working alongside Stadler to achieve this.
In the statement Nexus say: “Identifying any issues that need to be ironed out prior to entry into customer service is really important and shows the value of our robust testing process. This unfortunately will impact the current delivery timescales but we won’t know the extent of this until the additional testing is concluded. We will still continue to make progress with the wider testing programme while this is happening.”
As there seems to be a further delay in the introduction of the new trains, attention turns again towards the Metrocars which have been struggling to maintain the service of late. Nexus state that they are aware that Metro needs to provide a reliable service (particularly with passenger numbers up by 13.5% and approaching pre-pandemic levels as well as the forthcoming Tyne Bridge refurbishment).
Stadler – who as well as building and maintaining the new trains took on maintenance of the existing fleet – have been working closely with suppliers to source spare parts for the trains and there has been further investment in their maintenance. This has included bringing in heaters adapted from the airline industry to protect them through the winter – this is said t have helped improve fleet availability since Christmas.
Timetables have also been reviewed to “reflect current performance and improve punctuality”. They are looking to “priortise frequency over punctuality, aiming to offer customers a regular service, even if trains are not running to timetable”. This does mean that trains will be busier and there may be longer waiting times especially at peak times with anyone advised to allow longer to make their planned journeys and to check in advance and plan ahead.
Nexus’ statement ends by saying: “The bespoke new trains are designed and shaped by customer feedback and, when introduced, will transform the customer experience in terms of comfort, quality and reliability as well as setting high standards of accessibility. We thank everyone for their support, patience and understanding.”