Sunderland Echo readers reminisce about ‘much-loved’ Metro tradition

The original Metro trains are close to being phased out after being part of everyday life for more than 46 years.

Only a handful of Class 599 trains remain in service, with the last ones being removed from service on Friday, June 26.

This will be the last chance customers will be able to enjoy “the driver’s eye view” when travelling on the front seats – something which has become a much-loved tradition.

One Sunderland Echo reader, Em Bilyth, said: “A whole new generation of children will never experience ‘driving’ the Metro.

"My dad took me to do it, I took my son to do it, and they are some of the best memories.”

Paul Whillians added: “We’d get the train to Heworth then the Metro to Whitley Bay with my parents when I was a kid.

"Loved that front seat.”

Metro’s original Class 599 trains have carried 1.7 billion customer journeys since entering service in August 1980, clocking up half a billion kilometres.

As the last old train returns to the depot, it will mark the end of an era for Metro and for North East England’s proud railway heritage.

Cathy Masarella, managing director of Nexus, said: “The old fleet has given us 46 years of service, but it’s now time to look to the future and our new train fleet.

“This week is also the last chance for customers to get the front seat view on the Metro.

"We know that people are going to miss this treasured aspect of travelling on the old fleet.

"That driver’s eye view of the line has been popular with people of all ages.”

Customers may still see the occasional 599 around the Metro system after this date, but this is their last guaranteed chance to travel on one.

Cathy added: "The bulk of our services are now provided by the new Stadler trains.

“This is the end of an era for Metro and many customers will be sad to see them go.”

The fleet’s last official week of service on the Green and Yellow lines will be from 9.30am until 5.30pm from Monday, June 22, until Friday, June 26.