End-of-year roll-out for new Metro fleet

The new fleet is currently being tested out

New Metro trains should begin entering service before the end of 2024, despite repeated delays.

The 46 Swiss-built trains to replace outdated carriages on the Tyne and Wear service were already behind schedule, before a new problem with their traction system forced operator Nexus to further push back their introduction.

Transport bosses have now said that, after recently hitting a couple of key milestones, they are on course to begin the roll-out into the timetable.

However, a more specific start date is yet to be announced.

Nexus says the new trains should be in service by the end of the year

Michael Richardson, head of fleet and depot replacement at Nexus, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "The daytime testing phase began in May, which is allowing for a process known as kilometre accumulation, putting the trains through their paces by simulating customer service.

"Three of the nine Stadler trains we have had delivered have now completed [this process].

"That will continue and the next step will be the wider Metro driver training programme."

In addition, more than half of the 46 new trains on order have been built, with deliveries scheduled for the next three months.

He added: "We're really excited to get the new Metro trains into service.

"They are going to be transformative for customers and for our workforce, bringing a step change in comfort and reliability."