The phased introduction of the new trains on the Tyne and Wear Metro is continuing to accelerate with Thursday 17th April 2025 seeing 555 015 become the ninth of the Stadler built units to be used in passenger service.
555 015 was one of two trains to be delivered to the Tyne and Wear Metro on 16th December 2023 – the other one was 555 013 which has yet to enter service as yet. Since its arrival it has been used on testing and driver training but its day to see real life passengers ended up being on Thursday 17th April 2024.
It was used on its first day on the South Shields to St James service on one of five diagrams which are scheduled (weekdays) to have a new train allocated. Saturdays currently just sees the one due out in service. All other workings remain in the hands of the original Metrocars.
Trains which have now been used in service are 555 002–555 005, 555 015, 555 020, 555 021, 555 027 and 555 028. Whilst also in the northeast but not yet available for passenger use are 555 001, 555 006–555 011 and 555 013. It is planned that 23 of the trains (exactly half) will be in service before the end of 2025 with the remainder following in 2026.