Merseyrail battery-powered trains 'transformational' - mayor

Mayor Steve Rotheram said it had been a 'transformational year' for the region

A city mayor has said the introduction of battery-powered trains has been "transformational", despite teething problems.

The fleet was introduced on Merseyrail last October, as part of a £500m investment.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has said he wants the trains to be among the most punctual in the country.

But the new technology has not come without reliability issues.

Mr Rotheram said although being a pioneer had come with challenges, he was proud of the region's new trains.

"It's been a transformational year for the whole city region for what we want to do on public transport here," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It's true to say that we've seen some of those teething issues, but it's important to look at the full picture."

He has said the trains are now back "to about 90% reliability".

The £500m fleet, which is publicly owned, replaced 40-year-old rolling stock, and was rolled out in October in a UK first.

The trains have been plagued by delays especially on the battery-only leg to Headbolt Lane

The move is part of Mr Rotheram's aim to create a "London-style fully integrated transport system" and pave the way "for cleaner and greener" transport as part of a plan for Liverpool City Region to become net-zero carbon by 2040.

The new trains have space for up to 50% more passengers, feature Wi-Fi and plugs and have step-free access for wheelchair users and passengers with bikes or buggies.

But there has been repeated problems with the fleet of Swiss-built trains running on the Kirkby line.

There was criticism the trains had been introduced too soon but Mr Rotheram said testing had been completed in 2020 before they were rolled out in 2023 giving "plenty of time to do all the things that needed to be done".

"It's been a transformational year for the whole city region for what we want to do on public transport here," he said.

He said that, as the first battery-powered fleet to be introduced in the UK, it was fair to expect there would be some "bedding in" in the first 12 months.

"I use the trains everyday and I don't want to be left on the platform because there's been a cancellation, because there's been some technical problem.

"But also I do hope that people start to understand that when you look at our trains and then look at the other train operating companies that also service passengers in the Liverpool city region our performances are miles ahead," he added.

"I'm not complacent and I want to see our performance get back to where we were previously in the mid-90%."