Take a first look at one of Merseyrail’s new state-of-the-art trains as fleet unveiled

The first of 53 new trains for the Liverpool City Region from manufacturer Stadler have been revealed to the public.

The region is the first in the country to own its new trains. Co-designed in consultation with local people, the modern trains boast a wide range of customer-focused features and functions.

The new trains are a key part of Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram’s plan 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.

The Ormskirk to Kirkby service will be the first line to get the new trains, as it is near to the maintenance depot and any issues would be easier to deal with. Over the coming months, Stadler will hand more trains to the Combined Authority, ahead of introduction into passenger service.

Train improvements

Among the advantages of the new trains is a more than 50% increase in capacity, from just over 300 to more than 470 and a 10% reduction in journey times thanks to quicker acceleration and braking.

This historic transfer represents a significant milestone in the new trains project that will see the entire fleet replaced by state-of-the-art trains, set to bring the city region’s rail service into the 21st century.

Co-designed in consultation with local people, the modern trains boast a wide range of customer-focused features and functions including: Pioneering sliding step technology, providing step free access for all, On board Wi-Fi and digital passenger information screens.

Reaction to new trains

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.”

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