• The handover represents a significant milestone in the project

• The new trains will be the first in the country to be publicly owned

• People invited to view the train which goes on display next month

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced the official handover of the first of 53 new trains for the Liverpool City Region from manufacturer Stadler.

This landmark achievement means the Liverpool City Region will be the first in the country to own its new trains.

To celebrate this, the Mayor is inviting people to step on board and see for themselves how journeys will look in the future when the train goes on public display for the first time later this month.

This historic transfer represents a significant milestone in the new trains project that will see the entire fleet replaced by state-of-the-art, safe, reliable, comfortable trains, set to bring the city region’s rail service into the 21st century.

Co-designed in consultation with local people, the modern trains boast a wide range of customer-focused features and functions including:

• Pioneering sliding-step technology, providing step free access for all

• On board Wi-Fi

• Improved passenger information screens

• More space for wheelchairs, bicycles and prams

The fleet is a key part of the Mayor’s plans for a London-style transport network that seeks to make it as quick, easy, and reliable for people to travel around the region by taking greater local control of public transport and linking different modes of transport together.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:

“These new trains are a near half a billion-pound investment in our region’s transport network and will transform the way people get around in our region. They’re a major part of my vision for a London-style transport system that will make getting around our region quick, cheap and reliable.

“They will be the greenest and most accessible trains in the country and, best of all they’re owned by us. We’ve designed them around the needs of local residents, who I’m sure will all absolutely love them.”

The handover comes after a comprehensive programme of testing and the authorisation from industry regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, secured this summer.

Over the coming months, Stadler will hand more trains to the Combined Authority, ahead of introduction into passenger service.

Matthias Hämmerle, Commercial Project Manager at Stadler, said:

“We are very pleased to have reached this highly symbolic moment in the programme, with one train officially transferring ownership from Stadler to the Liverpool City Region. These trains have been custom-made for the area and take into account not only the characteristics of the network itself, with its pronounced curves, tunnels and Victorian infrastructure, but the requirements and priorities of local people as well.

“Over the last few years, we’ve worked closely with our client and other key stakeholders to come up with a train that really works for the Liverpool City Region. It’s this collaborative approach that’s enabled Stadler to produce a fleet that we are confident will go down well with passengers and serve the area for decades to come.”

Details regarding the phased introduction of the trains into passenger service are yet to be confirmed. More information regarding the roll out will be made available as soon as it has been agreed.

A variety of information about the public display events and the new trains can be found on the Merseytravel website

Public Events:

Thursday 9 September

Birkenhead North rail station, Station Road, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 7AZ

10am to 2pm

Saturday 11 September

Birkenhead North rail station, Station Road, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 7AZ

10am to 2pm

During the event, the train will be parked at a fully accessible platform. Visitors are asked to wear face coverings on board the train and platforms out of respect for others, unless exempt.