Metro fleet reaches end of line

A North East transport operator is preparing to say farewell to its original train fleet after more than four decades of service.

Nexus has confirmed that the Tyne and Wear Metro’s Class 599 trains are entering their final weeks in operation, marking the end of an era for public transport in the region.

The original fleet entered service in August 1980 and has since carried around 1.7 billion customer journeys, covering more than half a billion kilometres across the network.

Only a small number of the old trains remain in service, with the final guaranteed week to travel on one beginning Monday, June 22.

During that week, an original Metro train will operate on both the Yellow and Green lines between 9.30am and 5.30pm until the early evening of Friday, June 26.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “After giving our region 46 years of service, I’m pleased to confirm the original Metro train fleet will soon be phased out completely. 

“I promised that by summer every single journey people made would be on a new train, and that's what we've done.

“This is a really significant milestone for our region, one that I’ve no doubt will generate a lot of nostalgia and fond memories for many. 

“It’s great that people will have one last chance to travel on them before they go. 

“It’s the end of an era for Metro, but it's time we look ahead. 

“I want a better, cheaper, and more reliable transport network – one that works for everyone and makes it easier for local people to get to work, to school and out to socialise. 

“That’s why we'll continue to improve our Metro network, with an extension to Washington, a new signalling system and improvements to even more stations.”

The retirement comes as Nexus continues the rollout of its new £362 million Stadler fleet, described as the biggest and most complex project in Metro’s history.

All 46 new trains have now been delivered by the Swiss manufacturer, with Nexus aiming to have the full fleet available for service by the end of 2026.

The new trains include linear seating, mobile charging points, climate control, CCTV, battery technology and improved accessibility, including automatic sliding steps at each set of doors.

Cathy Massarella, managing director of Nexus, added: “The old Metro trains have given us sterling service over the last 46 years, but we’re now getting ready to say that historic farewell.   

“We’re in the final few weeks where customers are guaranteed a journey on the few that remain running. 

“They have been replaced gradually by the new Metro fleet since the end of 2024.   

“These trains helped to change the face of public transport in our region in 1980, and over the four decades that followed. 

“They have served us well, surpassing their expected life expectancy. 

“They’ve now come to the end of the line. 

“They’re making way for the new generation of trains, which are delivering a bright future for the Tyne and Wear Metro.  

“The coming weeks will be the final time that customers will get the chance to travel on the old carriages on our system. 

“We’ve developed this special timetable for the 599s to run in service throughout the week to ensure those that want one last journey can do so.  

“It’s undoubtedly the case that these familiar Class 599 Metrocars are assured of their place in North East England’s railway heritage. 

“When the last train leaves it’ll be a poignant moment in the storied history of our Metro system.”  

Two original trains have been retained for heritage purposes, while another has been donated to Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for firefighter training.

The remaining old trains are being sent to a specialist breakers yard in County Durham for recycling.

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