TYNE &Wear Metro operator Nexus has revealed that traction problems have occurred during testing on the system of the new Stadler-built Class 555 units.
These were said to have “unexpectedly come to light”when rail head conditions were poor. Nexus told The RM that further specific testing and investigation would be needed to ensure that the trains perform as expected. “This is quite typical during the roll-out of anew bespoke fleet and Stadler and Nexus are working closely to minimise delays to the project timescales as much as possible,”it added.
Although Nexus still aims to introduce the first Class 555 into passenger service this year, it has admitted that the impact on the programme will not be known until additional testing has been completed.