Firefighters are undertaking a series of training courses to learn more about the new Metro trains - so that they are ready to react to an emergency situation in the event that one arises.
We are running the familiarisation sessions for all blue light services as part of the countdown to the first new train entering service.
Officers from the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) are getting a closer look at the new Stadler train at the Nexus Learning Centre in South Shields, with watches from across the area brought up to speed on the new Metros, which differ vastly from the current fleet.
Key areas include carriage layout, fire suppression systems, emergency access points to and from the driver’s cab and the carriage saloon area, braking distances, power supply, battery locations, emergency alarm and intercom systems, jacking points, location of fire extinguishers and defibrillators.
Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement Programme at Nexus, Michael Richardson, said: “We are working closely with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service along with the other emergency services to get them familiarised with our new trains ahead of them entering service for customers.
“This is vital training for the fire fighters, so that they know the layout, emergency systems and access points so that they can react effectively in the unlikely event an emergency situation should arise.
“The various different watches who are coming in to undertake this course get a good amount of time to see the new train, get on board it and examine all of its advanced systems and its fixtures and fittings.
“The new trains are vastly different to the current ones, so we have built this into our programme of emergency services familiarisation which takes place at our bespoke learning centre in South Shields, where we keep one of the new Stadler trains for training purposes.
“We’re leaving no stone unturned as we get ready to bring the new trains into service for our customers, and working with blue light services is absolutely critical work for us.”
Head of Operational Training for TWFRS, Lee Medhurst, said: “These familiarisation sessions are crucial for our firefighters. As the roll out of the new Metro fleet replaces the old, we need to understand the differences between the two types in case we are working with either in an emergency situation.”
“I want to thank Nexus for inviting us to their premises and for working with us to create a training package for our staff. The insight they’ve provided will be invaluable and the familiarisation sessions provide an opportunity for our staff to ask questions, and think about how we would adapt our response from the old fleet.”
“It’s great to be able to see the difference between the old fleet and the new fleet and how technology has advanced, and been used to help keep our community safe.”
The Stadler Class 555 Metro trains are undergoing a period of testing and driver training before entering service for customers. Two more new trains are set to be delivered late this year.
The new Metro fleet will offer a comfortable, new, air conditioned, open plan layout, sleekly modelled interior, transforming the customer experience, while setting new standards for accessibility.
Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, are building a total of 46 new Metro trains on behalf of Nexus.
The fleet will enter service in phases and the aim is to have all of the new trains in service by the end of 2025.
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 unique 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 vast consultation 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.