Class 777 on public display ahead of Merseyrail launch
THE FIRST of Merseyrail’s new 53-strong fleet of Class 777s has been handed over from manufacturer Stadler to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which has purchased the new fleet.
The fleet is a key part of the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor’s plans for a London-style transport network that seeks to make it 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.
Unit 777010 was displayed at Birkenhead North on two days in September, when the public were invited to view the new train, providing a glimpse of the future of travel on the Merseyrail network.
The four-coach trains feature sliding step technology to provide step- free access, improved facilities for wheelchair, pram and cycle users, better passenger information screens, and on-board wi-fi.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham said: “These trains are a near half-billion pound investment in our region’s transport network and will transform the way people get around in our region. “They are 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 absolutely love them.”
The trains have been undergoing extensive testing and commissioning prior to their entry into traffic, with driver training now expected to increase ahead of them entering service over the coming months.
Once sufficient Class 777s have entered traffic with the operator, Merseyrail will be able to withdraw its existing fleet of Class 507 and Class 508 EMUS, which have been in service for more than 40 years.