A state-of-the-art simulator used to train Tyne and Wear Metro drivers on new trains has arrived in South Shields.
The fully sized replica of the new Metro train cab has been installed at the Nexus Learning Centre in South Shields ahead of a new fleet of trains starting to arrive later this year.
The simulator uses CGI to give a realistic and interactive train diving experience for drivers which Nexus describes as ‘fully immersive’ and will be used to train and familiarise drivers with the new cab.
Read more: Tyne and Wear Metro: New pictures give update on new trains
It features a recreation of the whole Metro network with all 60 stations to give drivers the same experience as if they were looking out of the windscreen.
All weather conditions and potential situations from snow and high winds to cows on the line can be thrown at the driver at the touch of a button.
Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, says the multi-million pound technology heralded the start of a new era for the Metro driver training programme.
Head of Fleet and Depot Replacement Programme at Nexus, Michael Richardson, said: “The new simulator will be vital for getting our drivers ready for their new Metro trains. It’s a really exciting time for them to be able to use this amazing new technology.
“This really does mark the start of a new era in how we can train our Metro drivers and it will be in use for many years to come.
“We are grateful to Stadler for supplying us with such a fantastic and immersive driver training aid. We’ve never had anything like this before.
Read more: Metro line serving between Newcastle and North Tyneside is to close for two weeks
“The simulator allows the drivers to get ready for making the switch, because the new trains are much more hi-tech than the current fleet.
“It provides an opportunity to get used to all the various functions and features on the new trains before the drivers get the chance to drive them for real in 2023.
“The new Metro fleet is going to transform the Tyne and Wear Metro for customers and for the staff, delivering a step-change in quality, comfort and reliability.
“We are just a few months away from a really exciting moment when we see the first new train arrive in the region. By getting a simulator in place we are ensuring that we are ready to make a seamless transition to this modern new Metro fleet.”
Drivers will be able to get used to the new features in the cab including controls, gauges, switches and master controller which are used whilst driving, as well as the new seating position, and safety and security features.
Read more: Progress report made on £70m North East Metro hub
Craig Pearson, one of the 174 drivers on the network who will be one of the first to drive the new trains said: “The new simulator is amazing. It is already providing us with a real feel of what the new trains are capable of and at this stage in the project is assisting us in our preparations for the first train arriving in November.
“The level of detail is fantastic and is each route is easily identifiable. It is better than the expectations we had for it.
“It will be an integral part of our driver’s conversion training between old and new fleets and provide a great tool in the future, being able to replicate most, if not all real-life situations that could arise, in the comfort of the simulator. Early feedback from drivers has been very positive.”
The Nexus Learning and Development team will use the simulator to lead a full schedule of training sessions for Metro drivers to get them ready for driving the real Stadler trains.
The first new Metro train is in final assembly and will arrive in North East England in November for testing and further training ahead of entering customer service in mid-2023.
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here