Tyne and Wear Metro owner and manager Nexus has unveiled the final interior of its new trains being built by Stadler after a lengthy consultation exercise.
Alterations identified during the consultation include adding 12 more tip-up seats to the carriages, bespoke wheelchair space and double grab poles, which like the handrails will be yellow. There is also a change to floor markings for wheelchair and multi-use spaces to aid visibility. The open plan layout is based on linear seating with stand-back areas at doors to aid circulation and create more room for passengers at busy times.
There will be four dedicated wheelchair spaces in each train, plus two multi-use areas suitable for non-folding bicycles, children’s buggies and luggage. Sliding steps at each door will aid boarding and alighting. Seats will have a sleek grey colour designed in house.
With the interior design finalised, Stadler will start building the trains from August. 42 trains are being built, with the full fleet due to enter service in 2024. They are expected to be 15 times more reliable and use 30% less energy than the existing fleet.
Stadler is also building a new £70 million Metro depot at Gosforth as part of the project.
