In January, Stadler was awarded a contract with Nexus to supply the Tyne and Wear Metro with 42 new trains, as well as 35 years of service and maintenance.
Stadler and the University pledge to participate with each other on all aspects of the new trains programme. This includes the technology and knowledge required for construction and maintenance of the trains at the Gosforth depot. This is a five-year agreement and is to be reviewed thereafter.
Joint projects will cover various areas including innovation, education and research. Initiatives are yet to be confirmed, although they are likely to cover energy conservation at a systems level, condition monitoring and driver training.
“This MoU enhances our educational offer in engineering, providing a long-lasting positive impact to our city, region and beyond", says Dr Roberto Palacin, Director of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology at Newcastle University.
Stadler vows to support the regional economy and involve as many Tyne and Wear-based companies and institutions as possible.
Metro Development Director, Neil Blagburn, commented: “In Stadler we have appointed one of the best train builders in the world, and this agreement with Newcastle University really underpins their commitment to our region and their investment in our local economy”.
"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"
Neil Blagburn, Metro Development Director
He added, “I have no doubt that collaborative working with the university on research, education and innovation will be hugely beneficial. It builds on the work that the OpenLab 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.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
