Leaks pulled new Metro trains from service
BBCA number of new Tyne and Wear Metro trains were withdrawn from service due to water leaks, operator Nexus has confirmed.
It said faults with heating, ventilation and air conditioning units caused the problems on Saturday, which the BBC understands affected four trains.
A joint investigation is being carried out with Swiss-manufacturer Stadler. It is understood all but one of the six new models available to passengers are back in service.
Nexus said the introduction of the new £362m fleet was the most "complicated and challenging in its history" and apologised to customers.
It comes after five of the fleet were pulled in April while a problem with doors was fixed.
More trains due
Nexus managing director Cathy Massarella and Lucius Gerig, CEO of Stadler Switzerland, said the issues over the last few days, which saw water leak into the carriages, were being investigated.
Both said they were working together to rectify any problems as "quickly as possible."
"We'd like to apologise to anyone who have been affected by this", a joint statement said.
"Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to maintain a good service for customers.
"The fleet introduction is the biggest and most complex project in the history of the Tyne and Wear Metro and the current phase is the most challenging of any fleet transition project."
They added they were taking "a careful and phased approach" to introducing the new trains, which will eventually replace the old fleet that has been operating for more than 40 years ago.
The first of the new trains made its maiden journey in December, with a series of delays meaning the original target date of summer 2023 was missed.
It is hoped that all 46 of the new trains will be in use by the end of 2026, with half due by the end of this year.