The first new train for the Tyne and Wear Metro is almost finished and looks set to arrive in the North East later this year.
A new set of 46 Metro trains costing more than £360m is currently being built by Switzerland manufacturing giant Stadler to entirely replace the current fleet. And now Metro bosses have released a new photo showing passengers how the first new train is coming together on the production line ahead of its arrival in the region.
Stadler is in the process of fitting the main interior components on the new train, which will feature charging points and air conditioning. Passengers can also expect an automatic sliding step at every door, making it easier for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs, luggage or bicycles to get on and off.
READ MORE: Tyne and Wear Metro bosses bracing for delays in arrival of new £362m fleet of trains
Nexus, the operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro, said the new trains will be 15 times more reliable.
Work on the fleet is taking place at Stadler’s state-of-the-art production line in St Magrethen in northern Switzerland. The works include the installation of seats, equipment cases, piping, wiring, flooring, windows and other internal furnishings.
The Swiss rail builder is also currently constructing a new £70m depot for these trains in Gosforth, with the first new train set to arrive on site at the end of 2022.
Since October 2020, Stadler has been responsible for servicing and maintaining the current Metro fleet, and it will have the same responsibilities for the new trains, once they are introduced into passenger service. The service and maintenance contract is for 35 years.
Metro bosses said the new fleet will also cut energy consumption by 30%. The lightweight vehicle design, the recovery of braking energy and the use of highly efficient traction converter technology will all lower energy consumption.
Trains are also being built to accommodate an energy storage system so that in the future, they will be able to operate on an extended network.
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