(19 May 2016, 11:23 am)Bus_User wrote There is also the issues with the OHL also, especially on the Sunderland section(seeing as any potential future electrification on the Durham Coast line will have to use the same voltage as the Metro) so whilst the public will think new trains should be right here and right now, bit of common sence would tell you that won't be the case.
Incorrect on the future Electrification of the Durham Coast Line - as Network Rail own the infrastructure between Sunderland South Junction and Pelaw Junction, it will be re-wired to take the Main Line standard 25KV AC. As such, the new Metro stock is being sourced as Dual Voltage stock. It makes more sense to do it that way rather than having dual voltage patagraph EMUs.