If you want to sample one of the original Tyne and Wear Metrocars in service you don’t have long as Nexus have confirmed that week commencing 22nd June 2026 will be the last official week when they will be in service.
Although there may be the odd one in service after this week. Monday 22nd to Friday 26th June 2026 will be the last guaranteed use of the Metrocars. There will be one diagram on the Green line and one on the Yellow line between 0930 and 1730 all week, with the last sets returning to depot early evening on Friday 26th June to bring a curtain down on over 46 years of use.
Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, said: “After giving our region 46 years of service, I’m pleased to confirm the original Metro train fleet will soon be phased out completely. I promised that by summer every single journey people made would be on a new train, and that’s what we’ve done.
“This is a really significant milestone for our region, one that I’ve no doubt will generate a lot of nostalgia and fond memories for many. It’s great that people will have one last chance to travel on them before they go.
“It’s the end of an era for Metro, but it’s time we look ahead. I want a better, cheaper, and more reliable transport network – one that works for everyone and makes it easier for local people to get to work, to school and out to socialise. That’s why we’ll continue to improve our Metro network, with an extension to Washington, a new signalling system and improvements to even more stations.”
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, added: “The old Metro trains have given us sterling service over the last 46 years, but we’re now getting ready to say that historic farewell.
“We’re in the final few weeks where customers are guaranteed a journey on the few that remain running. They have been replaced gradually by the new Metro fleet since the end of 2024.
“These trains helped to change the face of public transport in our region in 1980, and over the four decades that followed. They have served us well, surpassing their expected life expectancy. They’ve now come to the end of the line. They’re making way for the new generation of trains, which are delivering a bright future for the Tyne and Wear Metro.
“The coming weeks will be the final time that customers will get the chance to travel on the old carriages on our system. We’ve developed this special timetable for the 599s to run in service throughout the week to ensure those that want one last journey can do so.
“It’s undoubtedly the case that these familiar Class 599 Metrocars are assured of their place in North East England’s railway heritage.
“When the last train leaves it’ll be a poignant moment in the storied history of our Metro system.”
Nexus remain on course to have all 46 of the new Metro trains (built by Stadler) in service by the end of 2026. In a recent social media post, Kim McGuinness also stated that an improved frequency timetable would be introduced on the Metro in the future.