Merseyrail Class 777 METRO Fleet
UK (Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire) · 2018–2023 (construction), 2023 (first service) · £460 million (2016 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchMerseytravel's decision to directly own the fleet rather than leasing from a ROSCO made it the only public-sector mainline rolling-stock owner in the UK, highlighting an alternative procurement model. - Extensive infrastructure modifications, including platform adjustments and track realignments, were necessary to accommodate the new trains and improve accessibility, demonstrating the integrated nature of rolling stock and infrastructure projects. - The successful development and testing of battery-electric capabilities for some units (BEMUs) provides a model for extending electrified services without costly overhead line electrification. - Initial plans for driver-only operation were revised to include a second staff member due to union disputes, underscoring the importance of early and effective stakeholder engagement in operational changes.
Key engineering challenges
Designing trains for dual-mode operation (third rail and battery) to extend services to non-electrified lines. - Implementing universal level boarding with sliding steps for improved accessibility. - Integrating advanced data monitoring systems for passenger numbers and real-time connectivity with control centers. - Overcoming "teething" and "software" issues that plagued the rollout and delayed full service introduction.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Merseytravel (owner); Merseyrail (operator)
- Lead contractor
- Stadler Rail
- Lead designers
- Stadler Rail
- Project type
- vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 53 units (4-car units); Train length: 64.98 m; Max speed: 75 mph (120 km/h) on external supply, 62 mph (100 km/h) in battery mode; Capacity: 182 seats; Power output: Max. 2,100 kW, Cont. 1,500 kW
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software; Civil (infrastructure modifications)
- Standards & frameworks
- UK railway standards
Sources: British Rail Class 777 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_777) - Railway Technology: Stadler Class 777 Trains, UK (https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/stadler-class-777-trains-uk/) - Merseyrail: New Trains (https://www.merseyrail.org/new-trains/)