Stadler and nexus showcase the tyne & wear class 555s

The smart and sleek lines of the new Stadler-built Class 555s are shown to good effect on 555004, which was displayed for invited guests at Gosforth depot on April 24. A total of 46 are being built by Stadler for Nexus, with the new fleet expected to be fully in service by early 2025; the first are due to enter passenger service on Tyne & Wear Metro before the end of the year. Andy Coward

THE NEW Class 555 electric multiple units being built by Stadler for use by Nexus on the Tyne & Wear Metro system were unveiled to invited guests in a special event hosted at Stadler's new Gosforth depot on April 24.

The trains feature innovations that should make a real difference to passengers using the Metro system, with the five-coach trains expected to completely replace the existing Metrocar fleet – which first entered service in 1981 – by early 2025. The first Class 555s are due to be brought into passenger use before the end of this year.

Three of the eventual 46-strong fleet have now been delivered to the North East – with 555003-005 all currently on site at Gosforth – undergoing static testing and commissioning.

The first dynamic testing outside the depot on the Metro network expected to have taken place by the time this issue of Railways Illustrated appears in print.

Fresh layout

Nexus has invested more than £362 million into the new fleet, which has been developed over a period of seven years.

The organisation consulted widely, with thousands of passengers and user groups, during the development of the design.

The trains feature an open-plan layout with longitudinal seating throughout their length, with mainly fixed seating provided in either dark grey moquette incorporating the Metro ‘M’ logo or a lighter grey moquette to the same design to denote priority seating areas. USB charging ports are incorporated into the fixed armrests between seats.

Tip-up seats are provided in areas that can be used for wheelchair and pushchair users and cyclists. These dedicated areas also feature safety straps to secure cycles in place while the train is in motion.

Seating capacity of each train is 116, but there is standing room for an additional 450 passengers. While this capacity is similar to a pair of the existing two-car Metrocars, they include much more standing room than the current fleet.

The driving cabs are spacious, providing a comfortable and modern working environment, with improved visibility. Each cab is also fitted with a defibrillator; it is understood that this is the first ever fleet to do so.