The first phase of Merseyrail’s introduction of the new Class 777 trains is complete as a fully loaded timetable returns to the Kirkby line.
Services resumed last week with trains along the Kirkby line seeing the Class 777 carry passengers on their commutes. Following this success, Merseyrail will now shift its focus to supplying the Ormskirk line with the new fleet of trains.
The first introduction of the Class 777’s was in January, with passenger responses being “fulsome in their praise”, showing appreciation for the improved design, layout and high-tech features such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and electric charging points.
In addition to the introduction of the new fleet, Kirkby will also benefit from a new station at Headbolt Lane, becoming one of the first in the UK to utilise thus technology.
Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said:
“The completion of the Kirkby line Class 777 roll out is a really significant moment.
“As the first part of the network to go through the phased introduction, the Kirkby line has been the stage where the new trains have come into contact with passengers for the first time. Only so much can be learned from a test environment, so the performance of the new fleet in passenger service has been a crucial moment.
“We have been delighted by our customers response to the trains and are looking forward to the next stages of the roll out.
“We will now be moving the project for introduction over to the Ormskirk line. As with the Kirkby roll out, this will require a reduction in a small number of services. We apologise to passengers who may be affected by these changes and will aim to return to a full schedule as soon as possible.”
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