A train from the Tyne and Wear Metro’s sparkling new fleet has been spotted pulling into stations for the first time, as it came through a crucial test run unscathed.
The Swiss-built carriage was spotted running between South Gosforth and Monkseaton in the early hours of Wednesday, as it was taken for a first test ride on the Metro network since arriving in the North East earlier this year. Metro operator Nexus confirmed that the trial produced “no glitches”, while bosses still hope that passengers will begin to see the £362m new fleet entering regular service by the end of this year.
The long-awaited trains should represent a substantial upgrade on the existing fleet, which has served the North East for more than four decades and has become increasingly unreliable. The 46 new trains being built by manufacturer Stadler, all of which should be in service by 2025, boast a range of modern features including air conditioning, USB charging points, Tube-style linear seating and a retractable step at each doorway.
