The last line on the Merseyrail system saw its first Class 777 trains enter public service today.

Liverpool City Region‘s new publicly-owned trains began running on Northern Line services from Hunts Cross in South Liverpool to Southport.

This is the final stage of the phased roll-out across the system and more trains are expected to be introduced through the week, with the total number of new trains in service growing over the next few months.

The Southport to Hunts Cross line is the last section of the Merseyrail network to see the new trains.

Passengers on the other branches of the Northern Line – from Liverpool Central to Ormskirk and to Headbolt Line via Kirby – have become used to the new trains in recent months. Wirral Line services from Liverpool Central to West Kirby, New Brighton, Chester and Ellesmere Port have also seen the Class 777 trains in service.

In addition, the new £80m station at Headbolt Lane extended the Kirkby branch to its new terminus which is served by pioneering battery-powered trains.  The third rail is only installed as far as Kirkby.  This project is just one of those being delivered as part of Merseyrail For All, a commitment made by Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotherham to expand the regional rail network by connecting to new and previously under-served communities.

Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Mayor, said: “I know passengers up and down the Southport to Hunts Cross line have been patiently waiting for the rollout of our new publicly-owned trains, and from this week they will be ready to welcome them onboard!

“We’ve invested half a billion pounds in our new fleet, which are packed with great new features like sliding step technology, free phone charging and Wi-Fi and more room for bikes and wheelchairs, enabling more people to travel around our region.

“Designed in consultation with local people, our new trains are some of the most accessible and sophisticated in the entire country.  This investment shows the difference devolution makes. We’re charting our own course, putting the public back into public transport and delivering the services that our 1.6 million residents deserve.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Transport Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, added:  “I’m delighted that the new trains for the Liverpool City Region will start running on the Hunts Cross to Southport stretch of the Northern Line from today.  Their state-of-the-art features and innovative design will help to revolutionise how people travel, providing a comfortable and convenient journey for all passengers.

“I am confident that their positive impact will be be felt throughout our community, delivering better connectivity and improving the daily lives of our residents.  Together, we are creating a transport system that is advanced, sustainable and accessible and I look forward to seeing the benefits that these new trains will bring to Liverpool and the wider city region.”

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said:  “It’s fantastic news that the new trains will begin operating on the Southport-Hunts Cross line from this week.  This represents a real step forward in improving our transport network and will hugely enhance the travel experience for those living and working in Sefton – as well as those visiting our region.

“With their step-free access for all passengers, the new trains will help more people use our rail network independently and with confidence – whether they’re travelling with bikes or buggies, or are wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility. It reflects our ambition to build an inclusive and accessible transport system that works for everyone.”