There are now nine of the new trains for the Tyne and Wear Metro in northeast England after 555 002 and 555 021 made the lengthy journey from mainland Europe, arriving onto Metro metals on 18th June 2024.
As with all previous deliveries 555 002 and 555 021 made the trip by rail via the Channel Tunnel before then being tripped in several sections up the UK, the last of which saw it moved from York to the Network Rail/Metro border. From there two other Stadler built trains collected them and shunted them all the way to Gosforth Depot where they will be prepared for testing and eventual entry into service.
The new “state of the art” trains contain many modern features which will improve the passenger experience once they enter service. They are fully walk through trains and are much more energy efficient than the original vehicles still operating the service which adds to the network’s green credentials.
Daytime testing of the new trains continues with no date announced for their entry into service except to say “later this year”.