The Metro drivers who brought the first new train into customer service on Wednesday have spoken of their pride in playing a key role on an historic day for local public transport.
Long-serving drivers Jon Doughty and Chris Mongan are the Metro train crew who drove the new train with the first customers on board.
They had the honour of taking the new train into service when it set off from Pelaw at 11.04am on Wednesday 18 December. Both are elated to have played their part in marking the start of a new era for the Tyne and Wear Metro.
It was the culmination of more than five years of hard work for Jon and Chris, who are part of a team of drivers embedded in the new Metro fleet programme to become experts on the workings of the new trains as part of the detailed testing and training process.
Jon, 58, of North Tyneside, has been driving Metro trains for 20 years.
He said: “Being part of this historic occasion was an incredible privilege. The years of hard work and dedication from everyone involved in delivering these new trains have been remarkable, and it’s an honour to represent the team.
“Knowing how much of a positive impact these trains will have on our customers and the local economy makes this milestone even more meaningful. This isn’t just about new trains, it’s about shaping a brighter future for the Tyne and Wear Metro and the region we’re proud to serve.
“The introduction of this new train signals the start of a transformative era, one that promises greater reliability, enhanced comfort, and cutting-edge technology. These trains are designed to meet the changing needs of modern customers, reflecting how travel and work patterns have evolved over the years. It’s an exciting step forward, setting the stage for a Metro system that will better serve the region for generations to come.”
Chris, 48, a Metro driver for 23 years, also of North Tyneside, was effusive in his praise the new Metro trains, calling them a game changer for the system and its customers.
He said: “As the first driver to operate this train in customer service I’m filled with immense pride.
“This moment represents the culmination of over five years of dedication, collaboration, and hard work by the entire team involved in the project to replace the Metro's ageing train fleet. Being part of such a transformative initiative has been a privilege, and knowing the positive impact these trains will have on our communities, economy, and daily lives is its own reward.
“It isn’t just about driving a train, it’s about driving progress for the region I’m proud to call home. To have been entrusted with this historic milestone is an honour and the pinnacle of my 23-year career with Nexus.”
He added: “It’s historic for the Tyne and Wear Metro and the entire region as we welcome the first new Metro train into service. It’s the beginning of an exciting new era for the Metro system. These new trains are a game changer, bringing with them a step-change in reliability, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. They have been designed to meet the evolving needs of customers - including a changing workforce with new patterns of commuting and working.
“They promise a vastly improved experience, from smoother rides to state-of-the-art features that reflect the way we live and travel today. This is more than just an upgrade, it’s a transformation that will serve the people of our region for decades to come.”
The first new train’s entry into service was the start of a new era for the Metro system - transforming comfort, quality and reliability for customers.
Designed by customers following an extensive customer consultation which resulted in over 23,000 responses, the new Metro trains boast linear seating, mobile charging points, climate control, 44 digital CCTV cameras, battery technology, and new accessibility standards, including an automatic sliding step at each set of doors to allow for seamless boarding.
The first new train will initially run Mondays to Fridays as part of a phased roll out with a pause during the Christmas week 23-27 December.
Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, is building 46 new Metro trains for Nexus. Two thirds of that order is now complete and 13 new trains have been successfully delivered, with 25 more to come during 2025.
The introduction of the new Metro fleet will be phased, with all of the new trains expected to be in service over the next two years.
The first train’s entry into customer service follows months of detailed testing and training.