Refunds after delays on UK's first battery-powered trains

Passengers catching the battery-powered trains have experienced "teething issues", the mayor conceded

Passengers on the UK's first battery-powered trains are to get refunds over delays, the Liverpool City Region mayor has said.

Steve Rotheram said the money would be returned for weekly, monthly, term-time or annual tickets for the Kirkby line in Merseyside last year.

He said it was a "gesture of goodwill" for the "teething issues".

The line became the UK's first £500m battery-powered trains last year but has been plagued by delays.

Mr Rotherham said: "We anticipated that we would encounter some teething issues and disruption during the delivery of our new station and trains, but I'll be the first to say that services on the Kirkby line have fallen short of the standards that our passengers deserve.

"While I cannot undo the disruption that passengers have already faced, I hope this gesture demonstrates our appreciation for their patience and understanding."

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram in front of one of the battery-powered trains

The mayor's office said passengers who bought tickets at Fazakerley, Kirkby or Headbolt Lane stations will receive a letter with information about how to claim their money back in full.

In October, the new £80m Headbolt Lane station was opened to serve the battery-powered trains.

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