A charity which supports people with sight and hearing loss across Gateshead and South Tyneside has had a chance to experience the new Metro trains ahead of the first one entering service later this year.
Sense Ability Matters (SAM) took part in a familiarisation event on board the new Stadler Metro train at the Nexus Learning Centre in South Shields.
It was a chance for the group to see how their feedback has helped to shape the final design of the new £362m Metro fleet.
They sampled the range of accessibility features in action on the new Metro train - including the automatic sliding step, and the new audio and visual technology which will make Metro easier to access for people with visual and hearing impairments.
Stadler, the Swiss train manufacturer, is building a total of 46 new Metro trains for us. The first train is scheduled to enter customer service this year.
We involved 23,000 customers in the design of the trains including people with a range of disabilities to make sure the new fleet improves accessibility and transforms the journey experience for everyone, a consultation process and design process that has already won a prize for innovation from the Global Light Rail Awards.
This latest visit followed up from a series of familiarisation events that were held for specialist user groups at the end of 2023.
Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement at Nexus, said: “The new Metro trains have been specifically designed using customer feedback and with accessibility in mind.
“The accessibility features are wide ranging, from special lights and audio-visual technology, to more space for wheelchairs in the carriages. The automatic sliding step eliminates the challenge of there being a gap between the train and the platform edge, which is a huge benefit for the 50,000 wheelchair journeys which are made on Metro every year.”
Stadler has delivered 11 new trains to North East England so far, and more are planned to arrive later this year.
The Class 555 Stadler train is a unique design for Metro and alongside training, rigorous testing is taking place to ensure that it interfaces correctly with signalling systems and other Metro infrastructure.
The new trains will also include modern features such as linear seating, charging points, air conditioning as well as delivering a step-change in accessibility.