91Èȱ¬

A lack of spare parts for the ageing Metro fleet is partly to blame for frequent service disruptions.

Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus said the shortage of spare, often obsolete parts, had made it increasingly difficult to maintain and repair its fleet.

The trains are more than 45 years old and operating beyond their lifespan, Metro operations director Kevin Storey said.

He also said manufacturer Stadler was working closely with Nexus to source parts for the old fleet. Stadler has been approached for comment.

Mr Storey said: "It is effectively like trying to keep a huge number of classic cars on the road."

The fleet was due to be replaced with 46 new trains costing £362m, last summer.

However, this has been subject to delays and Nexus said it was aiming to have the first new train in service some time in 2024.

Delays on the Metro reached the worst level in the network's history last year with just 61% of trains arriving on time in the four weeks to 9 December.

Mr Storey said more than 80% of trains now run on time.

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