Tyne and Wear Metro Drivers Get Their First Drive of the New Stadler Metro Train

Metro drivers have had their first chance to drive the new Stadler Metro train, experiencing the modern technology which is going to transform their job. The new Metro trains boast advanced digital systems which put every function at a driver’s finger tips, including on board computerised controls set in a modern ‘spaceage’ driving cab.

Eight experienced drivers, who form the Metro Futures Traincrew Specialist Team, had the honour of being the first drivers to put the multi-million-pound Stadler train through its paces at a special test track in the Czech Republic.

It was a chance to immerse themselves in the new train, and get to grips with the controls, after many months helping to design them, and learning about the new technology and its capabilities.

They took the brand-new Class 555 Metro for a drive around a special four kilometre test ring deep in the Czech countryside with Stadler Engineers on board to guide them.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, said it was a significant moment for the £362 million project ahead of the first new train arriving in North-East England.

Northern Invests £10 Million in Traincrew Facility Upgrades

Train operator Northern is investing £10 million to upgrade its facilities for more than a thousand staff across its network. More than £8 million has been spent so far in locations such as Leeds, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, Blackpool, Workington, Barrow and Buxton. Staff based in Liverpool, Huddersfield, Hull,

Carlisle, Wigan, Harrogate, Doncaster and Middlesbrough will now see similar changes including new kitchen facilities, back-office areas and new seating and sofas.

HS2 Acts on Feedback to Improve Manchester Route Design

Plans to bring high speed rail to Manchester are already well underway. To inform next steps in the Parliamentary process, HS2 is engaging local communities to discuss proposed changes to its construction designs to reduce future flood impacts in West Didsbury.

HS2 has worked closely with the Environment Agency to understand the widespread flooding impacts in West Didsbury, with a specific focus on the aftermath of Storm Christoph, Storm Eunice and Storm Franklin.

Following a detailed assessment of HS2’s proposed construction works, and the revised flood modelling works undertaken, HS2 is proposing to relocate the Palatine Road vent shaft required for the Manchester tunnel.

Moving the vent shaft to a new location, outside of the Didsbury Flood Storage Basin, reduces flooding impacts on neighbouring properties and removes impacts to Withington Golf Club. A new location, within the site of the Hollies Convent School, which has been closed for nearly 30 years, is now proposed.

The change reflects the ongoing design and engagement work that HS2 Ltd undertakes during the hybrid Bill process. The High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill was submitted to parliament in January last year. It seeks the legislative powers to build and operate the northern extension of Britain’s new high speed railway, which will be zero carbon in operation. The Crewe – Manchester extension is forecast to open between 2035 and 2041.

The proposal will be formally submitted to Parliament later this year and is subject to its approval. Any concerns raised by those directly affected will be considered by Parliament ahead of the approval process.