Ãå±±½ûµØ to work in partnership with Swiss train-builder Published on: 26 November 2020 Ãå±±½ûµØ and Swiss train-builder, Stadler, have formally agreed to work together on a range of initiatives, signing a ‘memorandum of understanding’ (MoU) to endorse their partnership. Regional impact In January, awarded the company the contract to build 42 new trains for the and to service and maintain them for 35 years. The two organisations’ pledge to collaborate with each other relates to all aspects of the new trains programme, including the technology and knowledge required for their construction, as well as for maintaining them at Gosforth depot in Ãå±±½ûµØ. Joint projects will cover several areas, incorporating research, education and innovation. Although the initiatives have not yet been confirmed, they are likely to cover energy conservation at a systems level, condition monitoring and driver-training. The agreement is for five years, to be reviewed thereafter. Dr Roberto Palacin, Reader in Transport Futures, Ãå±±½ûµØ, said: "I am delighted that our relationship with Stadler is formalised through this MoU to closely collaborate in specific innovative projects related to the design, operation and maintenance to the new Metro fleet as well as enhancing our educational offer in engineering, providing a long-lasting positive impact to our city, region and beyond.” has pledged to support the regional economy and involve as many Tyne and Wear-based companies and institutions in the new trains project as possible. It is keen to use local suppliers for materials and services required for the depot re-build, the manufacturing of the new trains and the ongoing service and maintenance of both the legacy fleet and the new trains. Rob Baxter, managing director of Stadler Rail Service UK, commented: “Stadler is very pleased to have signed this agreement with Ãå±±½ûµØ. Both our business and the university put a premium on research, education, innovation and enterprise, and I look forward to a successful partnership, which I am confident will enhance and enrich the two organisations.” Metro Development Director, Neil Blagburn, added: “In Stadler we have appointed one of the best train builders in the world and this new agreement with Ãå±±½ûµØ really underpins their commitment to our region and their investment in our local economy as they gear up to build the new Metro train fleet. “I have no doubt that joint working with the university on research, education and innovation will be hugely beneficial. It builds on the work that the team has already done to give over 20,000 people a say on what the new trains should be like. “Collaboration and knowledge sharing is vital and ensures that the development of our new trains, and our partnership with Stadler, leaves a positive and lasting legacy for many years to come.” Press release adapted with thanks to Stadler The new Metro train (picture used with permission from Nexus) Share: Latest News Ãå±±½ûµØ expert highlights climate crisis in a new film A leading Ãå±±½ûµØ climate scientist is featured in a new film about how the climate and nature breakdown will affect the UK. published on: 14 April 2026 Neolithic tombs reveal ancient kinship ties Male individuals buried in Neolithic chambered tombs in northern Scotland were often related to each other through the paternal line and some were interred in the same or nearby tombs, research shows. published on: 14 April 2026 We are our Memories New exhibition by Fine Art graduate Trish Hudson-Moses, 22 April – 4 May 2026 published on: 10 April 2026 Facts and figures