Project Profile: Merseyrail Stadler Class 777 Fleet Modernisation

The Merseyrail Fleet Modernisation project is a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade centred on the deployment of 53 new Stadler Class 777 Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) across the Liverpool City Region. This initiative replaced a four-decade-old fleet to enhance operational efficiency, passenger accessibility, and energy performance. This profile details the technical specifications and strategic impact of this critical rolling stock investment.

Project Fact Sheet

Technical Specifications

The Stadler Class 777 fleet consists of four-car articulated units operating on Merseyrail’s 750V DC third rail system. A significant design innovation is the integration of battery technology on select units, creating an Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit (IPEMU). This enables the trains to operate beyond the existing electrified network, most notably serving the new Headbolt Lane station in Kirkby without requiring third-rail extension. The trains feature a low floor height of 960mm, facilitating level boarding and enhanced accessibility. This is complemented by intelligent sliding steps equipped with ultrasonic sensors, which automatically bridge the gap between the train and platform edge, ensuring safe boarding for all passengers, including those with mobility aids.

Each unit has a capacity for 486 passengers, with a layout comprising 184 permanent seats and 28 perch seats. The articulated design, with three motorized Jacob’s bogies and two trailer-end bogies, creates a continuous, open gangway that improves passenger distribution and perceived security. The fleet is designed with future-proofing as a core principle, incorporating provisions for future retrofitting of 25kV AC overhead line equipment and the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level II signaling, ensuring long-term compatibility with national rail network upgrades.

Key Takeaways

• Network Expansion Through Innovation: The use of battery-powered IPEMU technology allows for cost-effective network extensions to non-electrified areas, demonstrating a viable model for expanding regional rail services without the high cost and disruption of traditional electrification projects.
• Enhanced Accessibility and Passenger Experience: The Class 777 sets a new standard for accessibility on UK rail networks. The combination of level boarding, intelligent sliding steps, and a spacious interior directly addresses long-standing barriers to public transport for many users.
• Commitment to Sustainability: The new fleet is significantly more energy-efficient than the rolling stock it replaced, contributing directly to the Liverpool City Region’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon by 2040. The lightweight construction and regenerative braking systems reduce overall energy consumption and operational costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the new Merseyrail trains start running?

The Stadler Class 777 trains began a phased rollout on the Merseyrail network in January 2023. As of late 2025, they are fully operational across the Kirkby, Northern, and Wirral lines, including the innovative battery-powered extension to Headbolt Lane station.

What is special about the Stadler Class 777 trains?

The Class 777 trains are distinguished by their advanced accessibility features, including a low-floor design and intelligent sliding steps that eliminate platform gaps. A key innovation is their dual-power capability, with select units equipped with battery technology to operate on non-electrified track sections, expanding network reach without new infrastructure.