The ongoing story of how performance on the Tyne and Wear Metro continues to fluctuate is showing no signs of coming to an end with the two latest posters put up at stations showing that whilst the August/September period was an improvement, things went downhill again in the September/October period.
You know the drill by now, the year is split up into 13 four week reporting periods (which are usually mid-month to mid-month) and after each one comes to an end Nexus put posters up at various Tyne and Wear Metro stations to let everyone know how the service has been going (although most people who take time to read them are probably well aware as they’re be regular passengers!). The posters used to give you other information such as what had impacted performance but over the past few years that has been removed for advertising and so the only other info provided is the satisfaction survey.
The period before these two saw 84% of trains being recorded as on time (by on time they mean either within 3 minutes late or 30 second early). Then in the two periods under review:
- 17th August to 13th September: 85% (same period 2024 – 84%)
- 14th September to 11th October: 81% (same period 2024 – 82%)
It can only be hoped that as more new trains are available for service things may improve with the original Metrocars still showing signs of their age.
Its not yet been in service – and at the time of this photo hadn’t even been in the UK for two months! – but 555 040 is out on test and driver training as seen here. Its at Fawdon with the trees turning to autumnal colours.
From the new to the old as we also see 4090 leading a service to South Hylton at Fawdon. The days of the “Metrocars” are numbered and the next 12 months look set to see the last examples withdrawn from service. (Both Photographs by Trevor Hall, 30th October 2025)