A major programme of deep cleaning and interior repair works are being undertaken on the current Tyne and Wear Metro fleet to improve the customer experience during the transition to the new trains.
Stadler has commissioned the works on behalf of Metro operator Nexus and are in addition to its contractual obligations to maintain the current train fleet.
The work, which will focus entirely on the 43 year-old rolling stock, will see all of the carriage floors cleaned, resealed, and then polished.
Damaged and threadbare seats will be replaced, grab poles will be polished and interior panels and windowsills repainted.
All of the cleaning and repair works are being carried out by a specialist company, Diamond Rail Services, who have a track record for undertaking deep cleans and carriage refurbishment schemes across the UK railway industry.
Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “Both Nexus and Stadler are committed to maintaining and improving the current Metro fleet during the transition to the modern new fleet of trains.
“This deep clean will also include a focus on a series of interior repairs to enhance the comfort and appearance of these 43 year-old carriages.
“This will help to improve the customer experience in the old trains as we get ready to gradually start removing them from service through to 2025, making way for the new Stadler trains, which are going to be transformative for both our customers and our colleagues.”
Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, are building a total of 46 new Metro trains on behalf of Nexus.
Stadler has delivered three new trains to North East England so far, and more are set to arrive later this year.
The Class 555 Stadler train is a bespoke design for Metro and in the months ahead will undergo rigorous testing to ensure that it interfaces correctly with signalling systems and other Metro infrastructure.
Metro drivers will also start a process of training at the controls of the new train.
The new trains have been designed and shaped by customers, and in response to 23,000 individual pieces of feedback, will include modern features such as linear seating, charging points, air conditioning and will deliver a step-change in accessibility.
Among the new features will be an automatic sliding step at every door to enable seamless boarding, making travel easier for Metro’s 50,000 wheelchair passengers as well as people with children’s buggies, luggage or bicycles.
Photo credit: Nexus
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