12.02.20
Nexus and Stadler contract officially signed off
The Swiss train builder Stadler has officially been awarded the contract to produce the new train fleet for the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Following an 18-month global search by Nexus for the best manufacturing partner, Stadler will produce the 42 new trains, build a new maintenance depot and carry out 35 years of maintenance for the new fleet. The contract is worth around the £700m mark.
The new trains will cut down Metro’s high voltage power consumption by 30% while also providing 15 times more reliability than the current operating fleet.
Commercial operations will begin in 2023 and the following year will see the new Metro trains completely replaced with the new fleet. Stadler will also work alongside local suppliers from the North East of England to produce the new trains.
Tobyn Hughes, Director General of Nexus said: “We have secured the best train builder in the world to make the new Metro fleet. It’s an historic moment in the proud 40-year history of the Tyne and Wear Metro service.
“I am delighted that has now been made official with the signing of the contract with Stadler. The hard work now starts in making our new train fleet become a reality. It heralds a very exciting future for Metro, its passengers, and its workforce.
“We asked for the best trains for the best price, transforming the passenger experience and delivering huge energy savings. Stadler has delivered on all fronts, and we look forward to working with them and the extensive UK supply chain which will support them over the coming years.”
Ansgar Brockmeyer, Sales Director at Stadler said: “The contract with Nexus represents an important milestone for Stadler in Great Britain. After Glasgow and Liverpool, this is the third metro operator to opt for a Stadler vehicle. We look forward to working with Nexus and our suppliers in the North East of England.”
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