One reason for the introduction of Merseyrail’s new class 777 trains was that they are to be accessible to all.

With this in mind, 11 time British Paralympic gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson took to the rails to assess how easy it is access and travel on the new trains.

Being a campaigner for disability rights and fully accessible travel across the country, Tanni tried out Merseyrail’s accessibility routes from street to train after hosting the 2025 Liverpool City Region for All forum at ACC Liverpool.

The event highlighted the importance of accessibility for all, with businesses, disability experts and stakeholders in attendance to discuss, promote and fund potential ways forward in making Liverpool more accessible to everyone.

Starting her journey at Liverpool Central Station, members of staff and some members of the public warmly greeted Tanni. She made her way by the lift from the booking hall down to the platform, where she boarded a northern line service using the new level boarding system consisting of a sliding step, before changing trains and returning to Liverpool Central. Her review of the journey was as follows:

“Level boarding is amazing and the information on the train is really helpful. It shows me the accessible stations and where the toilets are. I got on the train, and I got off the train. I can just go and live my life. So, to Merseyrail and Liverpool City Region: thank you – it shows it can be done.”

British Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

Tanni regarded the journey as one of the most hassle free and enjoyable journey she has experienced on public transport, placing the new publicly owned class 777 fleet the top of the list for accessibility and encouraging other train companies to follow its example.

Within the last 10-years Liverpool’s Merseyrail has taken huge strides to make the network fully accessible from street to train. Merseyrail installed lifts at several stations across the network, and built the two new stations, Headbolt Lane and Maghull North, with accessibility as a priority.

Currently, Aigburth and Rock Ferry stations are getting step-free access, and more stations are planned to be upgraded soon. So far 75% of the Merseyrail network is fully accessible to all.

“Public transport should be for everyone, connecting communities to friends, family, jobs and exciting opportunities—but for too long, many people have been excluded from our local rail network because it simply didn’t meet their needs.

“That’s why since being elected Mayor, I’ve made it a priority to make our rail network fully accessible by 2030, with our £500m publicly owned trains at the heart of that ambition. Thanks to their pioneering level boarding system, we’re ensuring that every passenger—regardless of mobility—can travel with independence and dignity.

“I’m delighted that Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has given our new fleet her seal of approval and had a smooth and enjoyable journey across our network. Her experience is proof that fully accessible rail travel is possible, and it’s happening right here in the Liverpool City Region. We are on track to have the most accessible rail network in the country, and I won’t stop until that becomes a reality.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority