New Merseyrail trains roll-out enters final stage

Class 777 fleet first began running on the network in January 2023

Merseyrail passengers are being warned of timetable changes as the roll-out of its new fleet of trains enters its final phase.

The £500m Class 777 fleet began running on the network in January 2023 and is replacing the Class 507 trains, which were first introduced in 1978.

Managing director of Merseyrail, Neil Grabham, said the latest roll-out of new eight-car trains would "significantly increase capacity to meet the needs of our customers".

The trains are being introduced on the Northern Line to Southport and mean some passengers will face temporary timetable changes.

Battery-powered trains have been introduced on part of the Merseyrail network

Mr Grabham apologised to passengers and thanked them for their patience.

“I’m pleased to say that the new fleet roll-out programme is nearing completion," he said.

"We know that the Southport line is particularly busy, especially at this time of year, so it’s great that we can significantly increase capacity to meet the needs of our customers.

“However, these temporary changes will mean that some customers will need to make changes to their regular journeys."

'Check journey times'

From 25 August, Southport line services will start and terminate at Liverpool Central.

The all-day 15-minute service between Liverpool Central and Southport will remain in place but those travelling on the Southport line between Southport and Hunts Cross should change trains at Liverpool Central.

Ormskirk line services will call at all stations to Hunts Cross, and trains from Hunts Cross will call at all stations to Ormskirk.

All services between Ormskirk and Hunts Cross will run at a 15-minute frequency during the day, and 30-minute frequency in the evening, and all day on Sundays.

Customers on the Ormskirk line will be able to travel directly to all stations between Ormskirk and Hunts Cross.

Headbolt Lane line services from Kirkby into Liverpool will be unaffected.

Customers are advised to check journey times on the Merseyrail website or the Merseyrail app before they travel.