A team from Nexus has put our new Metro train simulator through its paces ahead of its eagerly anticipated arrival at the Learning Centre this summer.
A delegation from Metro Futures, Learning and Development and Train Crew teams ran the rule over the state-of-the-art full cab driving simulator on a special visit to the factory in France where it was built.
The visit to the CORYS workshop in Grenoble, in South East France, was also attended by a team from Stadler.
The simulator was put through a rigorous Factory Acceptance Test – and the new technology, which will transform how we train Metro drivers on the new fleet, passed with flying colours.
New Fleet Project Manager, Sarah McManus, said: “The visit was a huge success and I am delighted to say our new simulator passed all of the relevant tests. We can now look forward to it being shipped across to us from France.
“We were able to test every aspect of the new technology in order to ensure it’s exactly to our specification. Our L&D reps Joe Dixon, Kraig Maxwell and Debbie Maughan were joined in the testing by Metro Ops Manager Suzanne Richley. They were able to cover off a wide range of issues for us with the manufacturers, which was invaluable.”
Learning and Development Manager, Debbie Maughan, said: “The teams across Nexus, Stadler and Corys have worked really hard to get to this point and it was great to see this all come together. The simulator will make a big difference to Nexus training and we are looking forward to getting it on site. It’s a very exciting time for Nexus.”
The new Metro simulator will be delivered to Nexus Learning Centre this May, where the Learning and Development team will lead a schedule of training sessions.
The simulator uses CGI to give drivers a realistic and interactive experience. They will be able to familiarise themselves with new technical features in the cab, a new seating position, and experience different driving and weather conditions.
The first new Metro train is in final assembly and will arrive in North East England in November for testing and further training.
Stadler, the Swiss train builder, are supplying Nexus with 46 new trains for Metro, along with a new £70m maintenance depot. The first trains are set to enter customer service from 2023.
The new Metro trains will be more reliable, cut energy and include modern features, such as charging points and air-conditioning. An automatic sliding step at every door of the new trains will dramatically improve accessibility, making travel easier for Metro’s 50,000 wheelchair passengers as well as people with pushchairs, luggage or bicycles.
Find out more about the new Tyne and Wear Metro fleet at www.nexus.org.uk/newmetrotrains