Public asked to help design next generation of Metro trains

Tyne and Wear Metro Credit: PA

The Tyne and Wear Metro is getting a new fleet of Metrocars and wants people from the North East to be involved in shaping the new design.

Nexus, who runs the metro, are working with Newcastle University to host a series of pop-up labs across Tyne and Wear, where people can share their experiences of using the Metro and ideas for the next generation of trains.

The current Metrocars have been in use since Metro opened in 1980, and everything from seating layouts to wifi availability will come under scrutiny through the consultation.

Simon Bowen, who is leading the project for Newcastle University, said:

Pop-up labs:

  • Customs House, South Shields - Wednesday 9 November, 12:00-17:00

  • Gateshead Interchange - Friday 11 November, 14:30-18:30

  • The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland - Friday 18 November, 11:00-15:00

  • Tynemouth Market - Sunday 20 November, 9:00-16:00

  • Newcastle Airport - Thursday 24 November (on trains during the day)

  • intu Eldon Square - Saturday 26 November, 11:00-15:00

Anybody is welcome to share their ideas and experiences at the pop-up labs, whether they are current Metro users or not.

The Metro Futures project aims to include the views of as wide a range of users as possible, from all locations served by Metro and including, for example, wheelchair users, commuters and cyclists.

Huw Lewis, Head of Customer Services at Nexus, said: