End of the line looms for last remaining original Metro trains

The fleet’s longevity, they say has helped re-shape public transport in the region over the last 46 years – and this is the last week commuters are guaranteed the chance to travel on on of the original trains.

As their times comes to an end Nexus, which owns and operates the publicly owned system, says the original Class 599 trains have undertaken 1.7 billion customer journeys since entering service in August 1980 – and clocked up half a billion kilometres.

Award-winning writer and broadcaster Christian Wolmar, specialises in transport and is the author of a series of railway history books, said: “The North East has been blessed as one of the few regions in the UK outside of London to have a proper light rail system.

“The Tyne and Wear Metro has served the region successful for many years now and, for the original train fleet to last for 46 years is a tribute to British engineering and to the teams at the depot who have looked after them

“The North East was the birthplace of the world’s railways and it’s fabulous to see that the Metro has got its new trains in service.”

Rob Pritchard, Editor of Today’s Railways magazine, said: “The Tyne and Wear Metro was the UK’s first modern light rail system when it opened but the new Stadler trains have brought modern rolling stock to Metro and introduced the sort of facilities passengers expect from new trains.

"As we embark on a new era, some will miss the old Metro carriages - their importance to the region over the last 46 years has been immeasurable.”

Danny Longhorn, Editor of Rail Business Daily, said: “Forty-six years is an incredible shift from a fleet that has become synonymous with the area.

"They have become an iconic fleet and one which will live strong in the memories of the many who have used them. But the end of one chapter marks the start of an exciting new one. The new Class 555 fleet has transformed travel, like their counterparts did in 1980.”

Colin Alexander, of North Tyneside, is an author of books about the Metro and Tyneside’s railways and he father Jack worked for the then passenger transport executive in the 1970s when the Metro was in development.

He said: “I recall my dad taking me to the Metro test centre at Middle Engine Lane to get a ride on the first two trains. It was an experience never to be forgotten.

“I had travelled on the London Underground, but our Metro trains were much more modern.

“Although it was exciting when the first of their Swiss-built successors made an appearance, I am sad that the old stalwarts, with their unique forward and rearward view, are gone but my dad and his colleagues can be rightly proud of the fleet they looked after, and it will be missed by many.”