The new Stadler Metro train has completed its first test run along the Sunderland line.
Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, said the test had been successful and was part of the ongoing and detailed preparations to get the new fleet ready for customer service.
The first test through Sunderland took place in the early hours of Saturday, 1 July.
It was the first time that the new train has been on the track between Pelaw and South Hylton, and the first time it has crossed the iconic Monkwearmouth railway bridge in the centre of the city.
The testing was carried in conjunction with Network Rail, who own and manage the line beyond Pelaw.
This the latest phase of the £362m new Metro fleet programme is currently taking place during the early hours of the morning when the Metro network is closed.
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 month.
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.
Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “I’m delighted to say that the new Metro train has completed its first test run on the Sunderland line.
“This was the first time the new train had been taken on a run through Sunderland, and the first time it had gone across the Monkwearmouth bridge across the River Wear.
“The testing of the new trains is going well, and we are working closely with our colleagues at Stadler so that we can get first new trains into service for our customers.
“This is a very detailed and vital process of testing ahead of drivers starting their training on the new Class 555 Metro.
“These trains will have to go through a phase of rigorous testing on our network, and all our drivers will need to undertake a period of train handling experience during the implementation phase of the project.
“Once the trains are in service they are going to be transformative for our customers and our workforce in terms of comfort, quality and reliability.
“Our customers, employees, specialist user groups and trade unions helped to design the new trains as part of a far-reaching consultation exercise that received 23,000 responses. We are getting a bespoke design from Stadler, with a sleek modern appearance, inside and out.”
Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This is fantastic news. The new Metro trains are a huge step forward in public transport, not just for our city but for the region. I’m delighted the first test run went so well and I am sure I speak for us all when I say that I can’t wait to see the new trains enter service.”
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 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.