Farewell Metrocars | The Not-So Final Day | 1980-2026

After 46 years of service, the Tyne and Wear Metrocars (Class 599's) are now being retired from service. These trains have carried millions of passengers every year since the Metro's first services began in 1980. These trains have become iconic due to the nearly unique 'drivers view' seat at the front where you can look out of the train to the tracks ahead, the only other metro system in the UK to have that is the DLR down in London, and in the future, the Glasgow Subway (however you wouldn't see much anyway). As much loved these units are, they became increasingly unreliable and were originally expected to be withdrawn in around 2010, but due to lack of funds at the time, the fleet instead underwent a major refurbishment to extend their life into the 2020's. In December 2024, the new Class 555's entered service after multiple delays, and other than one incident involving the doors opening on the wrong side in April 2025, leading to the 555's suspension from service, the rollout went quite smoothly over the last 18 months, with the final guaranteed Metrocar being withdrawn from service on June 26th 2026. However, these units may still be seen in service for a while to cover for any failed 555's. Farewell Metrocars, 1980-2026 WEHEY! Credits for the videos featured in the 90-second intro: Nexus Views of Tyneside citytransportinfo Alan Snowdon Archive CoachAlex1996 (AlexMetroman) CalebP71 Metro Mark