9:25
New metro train fleet annoucement 'on track'
James Harrison
Local Democracy Reporter
Nexus is "on track" to unveil its £500m fleet of new trains within weeks, transport bosses have confirmed.
Negotiations are ongoing with three companies - Spanish firm CAF, Swiss manufacturer Stadler and Japanese Hitach - over which one will win the contract to overhaul the Tyne and Wear Metro's ageing network.
Nexus submitted its business case to the government in November, but a decision on funding worth £337m was delayed due to the general election.
However, news of the decision is expected to be publicised in coming weeks, "immediately following" the conclusion of negotiations with the Department for Transport.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The trains are expected to be able to take more passengers than existing rolling stock and boast air conditioning and charging points, among other features.
Speaking at a meeting of the North East Joint Transport Committee, Tobyn Hughes, managing director at Nexus, said: “The process to award the contract for the successful bidder to build and maintain the new Metro fleet is on track to be announced before the end of the month.”