The Liverpool City Region has taken delivery of its first new train – the Class 777 by Stadler.
The new Class 777 with Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram – Image, Merseytravel.
It marks the first of 53 trains that are to be delivered and handed over to Liverpool City Region, who in turn will lease them to the operator of Merseyrail services.
At the moment, Merseyrail utilises British Rail PEP derived units across its rail network (Class 507/508) introduced in 1978 and 1979.
A Class 508 at Liverpool Central – Image, Merseytravel
The new trains are a customised Stadler METRO platform. The trains are made up of four carriages per trainset, capable of being powered from the 3rd Eletricifed rail, off overhead electric and an onboard battery pack, allowing for it to operate for limited distances on non-electrified lines.
In terms of passenger experience, there are some highlights which include a sliding step technology, providing step-free access for all (without the need for ramps). In addition, there will be more space for wheelchairs, bicycles and prams provided onboard.
Wi-Fi and passenger information screens will be provisioned onboard too.
The trains will operate on:
- Northern Line, connecting Southport/Ormskirk/Kirby to Hunts Cross via Liverpool City Centre.
- Wirral Line, connecting the Liverpool City Loop to New Brighton, West Kirby, Ellesmere Port and Chester.
The City Line will continue to be operated by Northern Rail, with its variety of rolling stock.
The fleet is a key part of the Mayor for the Liverpool City Region plans for a London-style transport network that seeks to make it as quick, easy, and reliable for people to travel around the region by taking greater local control of public transport and linking different modes of transport together.
Showing off to the public
To celebrate the handover, the trains will be put on display. You can find them at Birkenhead North rail station on Thursday 9 September and Saturday 11 September between 10:00 to 14:00 where the first unit will be parked up and on public display on an accessible platform.
Details at www.merseytravel.gov.uk/newtrains if you want to visit when they’re on display.
Entry into service
Whilst this is the first train to be handed over, there needs to be driver training to be conducted, as well as appropriate agreements with the unions.
Currently, no public service entry date has been set, or which routes the new trains will initially operate.
In Quotes
Steve Rotheram Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:
“These new trains are a near half a billion-pound investment in our region’s transport network and will transform the way people get around in our region. They’re a major part of my vision for a London-style transport system that will make getting around our region quick, cheap and reliable.
“They will be the greenest and most accessible trains in the country and, best of all they’re owned by us. We’ve designed them around the needs of local residents, who I’m sure will all absolutely love them.”
Matthias Hämmerle Commercial Project Manager at Stadler said:
“We are very pleased to have reached this highly symbolic moment in the programme, with one train officially transferring ownership from Stadler to the Liverpool City Region. These trains have been custom-made for the area and take into account not only the characteristics of the network itself, with its pronounced curves, tunnels and Victorian infrastructure, but the requirements and priorities of local people, as well.
“Over the last few years, we’ve worked closely with our client and other key stakeholders to come up with a train that really works for the Liverpool City Region. It’s this collaborative approach that’s enabled Stadler to produce a fleet that we are confident will go down well with passengers and serve the area for decades to come.”
A major step-change
A Class 777 departing Sandhills on test – Image, Merseytravel
Going from PEP designed stock from the late 70s to brand new 2020s stock will be a major step change – not least in passenger accessibility to travel and Liverpool’s desire to introduce an accessible metro service for its trains.
The trick of course will be getting them into service smoothly, with trains having to complete fault-free running, as well completing any infrastructure work to complete them.
As we continue to seek ways to enable the shift away from cars to public transport (along with some of the other modal shifts needed), having a high-quality (and reliable) passenger service will be essential for regions and cities. Hopefully, the new trains will be an important piece of that jigsaw for the Liverpool City Region.
For those who want to learn more, Merseytravel has a good introduction to their new trains at www.merseytravel.gov.uk/newtrains.
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