Tyne and Wear Metro trains will operate at least every 10 minutes from December 2026, increasing frequency from the current 12-minute intervals. The change, announced by North East mayor Kim McGuinness, will provide six trains per hour each way during weekday daytime (6:30am to 6:30pm) on outer sections, and 12 trains per hour through the central corridor where Yellow and Green lines merge.
New Timetable Details
The updated timetable, effective December 13, 2026, comes as the last of the original Class 599 trains retire after over 40 years of service. All 46 new Stadler trains are expected to be in operation by end of 2026. The frequency boost aims to meet increased demand ahead of the HMRC Pilgrim's Quarter offices opening in Newcastle city centre in 2027, which will house approximately 9,000 workers.
Mayor's Commitment
Mayor Kim McGuinness stated: "I promised passengers a more reliable, safer and more affordable Metro which local people can be proud of once again. Now we are delivering on that promise – we’ve made sure the last of the old trains are gone by summer and so now I can confirm that from December there will be more frequent trains too." She highlighted the new trains' 44 cameras and open-plan layout for improved safety.
Digital Ticketing and Fare Cap
The mayor's office confirmed that digital Pop cards will be available on all smartphones by end of 2026, ending years of Android-only support. The Mayor's Fares cap of £2.50 per journey remains in place, regardless of distance traveled.
Old Fleet Retirement
The original Class 599 trains, in service since August 1980, have accumulated over half a billion kilometres and 1.7 billion passenger journeys. A farewell service runs on Yellow and Green lines from June 21 to June 26, 2026, with occasional sightings possible thereafter. Nexus is also progressing station improvements, signal upgrades, and the first new Metro line in 30 years, extending to Washington.
