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The Tyne and Wear Metro’s brand-new trains have officially hit the tracks—and the first passengers to board were left in awe, calling the experience “absolutely amazing.”
Excitement reached a fever pitch on Wednesday morning as the £362 million fleet of state-of-the-art Stadler-built carriages made its highly anticipated debut. Word spread quickly on social media, prompting a crowd of train enthusiasts to gather at Pelaw station, eagerly awaiting the train’s arrival.
When the gleaming train finally rolled in shortly after 11 a.m., it was met with claps, cheers, and plenty of smiles. The doors opened to reveal a host of modern upgrades, signaling a new era for the Metro, which has relied on its aging 1980s fleet for decades.
Among the first to hop aboard was 18-year-old Omar Nairi from Killingworth, who couldn’t hide his excitement:
“It’s absolutely amazing—the train is so smart! Seeing this investment come to our region is fantastic. This will really change lives, making it easier and more reliable for people to get to work and improving accessibility for everyone, including wheelchair users.”
Omar’s friend, Alfie Brown from Cramlington, shared his enthusiasm:
“The ride is smoother, the space is better, and there’s air conditioning! I’ve followed the journey of these new trains since the first delivery, and to finally be on one is incredible. It’s a proud moment.”
The train’s features are nothing short of impressive: climate control, USB charging ports, digital information screens, a sliding step at every door for easy access, and a reliability rate expected to be 15 times better than the old models. Passengers will also enjoy safer journeys thanks to 44 CCTV cameras and London Tube-style seating designed for a more spacious feel.
For Judy Sherburn, a 61-year-old from Monkseaton, the moment was especially meaningful.
“My dad used to drive steam trains on British Rail, so trains have always held a special place in my heart. Seeing this new train today feels like he’s watching over me. It’s fabulous—it’s clean, modern, and such a boost for our communities.”
The first service, running between Pelaw and Monkseaton, welcomed passengers with a warm reception from North East mayor Kim McGuinness and representatives from Nexus and Stadler. To commemorate the occasion, passengers received a special ticket and a keepsake fridge magnet—small tokens of a momentous day for the region.
With these new trains now in action, the future of the Tyne and Wear Metro is looking brighter than ever, and passengers are already enjoying a more comfortable, reliable, and modern way to travel.
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