Its been confirmed that the programme to introduce the new Tyne and Wear Metro fleet of trains (currently being built by Stadler) into service is running around five months behind schedule. It had been hoped the first would be in service by the end of 2023 but although the plan remains for one to run in passenger service before the end of the year this will now be a short demonstration run only.<\/p>\n
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The news of the \u201creset\u201d of the project implementation came in notes from a recent meeting of the North East Combined Authority. In the report it states that \u201cTesting of the new fleet continues on the Nexus network and is expected to be the most challenging phase of the programme with reliance on effective collaboration between Stadler and Nexus, as well as support from across the organisation, to ensure it remains to programme.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not long after this news came out in the local media then Nexus released a lengthy press release explaining current progress on the testing of the trains in what they have described as the biggest project on the Metro for 43 years.<\/p>\n
As part of the commissioning period a total of 90,000 individual tests are required which include tests from everything ranging from seats and windscreen wipers, to items such as brakes, CCTV, doors, wheels and power supply.<\/p>\n
So far three of the trains (out of total of 46) have been delivered to the northeast with more to follow later this year. The first five trains will all have to complete 10,000km of fault free running before they are ready for handover to be considered for service. This will come after initial testing to make sure they work with Mero systems including stations and track. The trains have started their initial tests with this taking place overnight but as the programme progresses the new trains will start to be seen in daylight hours.<\/p>\n
Cathy Massarella, Interim Managing Director at Nexus, said: \u201cTesting is really detailed and it\u2019s absolutely critical to get the new Stadler trains ready for customer service.\u00a0We are leaving no stone unturned in what is probably the biggest and most important project since the Metro system was first built.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything on the train needs to be tested and checked thoroughly and this is something that we are doing in conjunction with our colleagues at Stadler.\u00a0There is great attention to detail. It\u2019s very much like the testing that a big car company undertakes when it\u2019s preparing to unveil a new model. The trains need to be put through their paces to ensure that they are ready for daily service.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese trains are a world away from the current fleet. They have digital technology and much of the testing can be done by plugging a laptop computer into the trains\u2019 onboard computer system.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur customers won\u2019t see the new trains running around the network as the testing is currently being undertaken between midnight and the early hours when the network is closed. However, there will be testing in daylight hours later this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThousands of inspection criteria need to be met, and fault free running targets achieved before Nexus officially accepts the trains and we put the first one into service. All of the teams involved in testing are working tirelessly. It\u2019s a historic project for Metro to bring a new fleet of trains into service and we are making sure we get everything right.\u201d<\/p>\n
The plan is for the fleet to enter service in phases with all 46 due to be running by 2025.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Its been confirmed that the programme to introduce the new Tyne and Wear Metro fleet of trains (currently being built by Stadler) into service is running around five months behind schedule. It had been hoped the first would be in … Continue reading