An issue with the first new Tyne and Wear Metro train resulted in a service suspension on a section of the network this afternoon.
The first of 46 new trains entered service last month as part of a phased roll out which is expected to be completed over the next two years. So far, 13 new trains have been delivered by Stadler to the North East, though only one is currently in service.
However, the new train had to be pulled from service and “reset” this afternoon after developing an issue at Benton. It resulted in the Metro service being suspended between Benton and Shiremoor from around 12.50pm until 1.47pm.
The incident comes just five days after the train was withdrawn from service at South Gosforth due to a technical issue. The Metro was withdrawn at 8am on January 8 in order to be reset and minimise disruption for passengers, before it was back in use later that morning.
Metro operator Nexus said that “minor issues are to be expected” during the roll out of the £362 million new fleet and have apologised to passengers for any inconvenience caused.
Michael Richardson, Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement at Nexus, said: “During the roll out of any new train fleet minor issues are to be expected. This is part of the introduction process and we will work with Stadler to address these as they arise and learn from them.
“One of the new Metro trains developed an issue when it was in customer service at Benton earlier today, Monday 13 January, around 12.50pm. The train had to be reset and it went back into service at 2.20pm.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused to customers.”