Merseyrail's BRAND NEW Class 777 - The UK Finally Has A PERFECT Commuter Train!

So it's been a long time in the making, but they're finally here! Merseyrail's new Class 777s have finally entered service after numerous delays - these trains were ordered to replace the ageing Class 507 and 508 trains which have operated on the Merseyrail network for over 40 years. But just what is it about these trains that makes them so great? We find out in this video!
Journey Details:
Date of Travel - February 2023
Operator - Merseyrail
Train type - Class 777 "Metro"
Origin - Liverpool Central
Destination - Kirkby
Price - £5.95 (Merseyrail Day Saver)
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Music from EpidemicSound and is used under license.
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[@lukanw]

The sockets are upside down intentionally. Most cables stem from the bottom of the plug and phone chargers tend to have short cables. It gives you that extra length so you can still use your phone while it’s charging.

[@mudchute4dlr]

No, it’s so that the cable doesn’t have to go through a sharp angle to get to the seaf

[@lukanw]

@@mudchute4dlr that’s what I mean

[@tallboy12]

You're correct - It also means that the cable from the plug doesn't block the USB sockets below so they can still be used

[@Class777]

You are so right! The Class 777 Metro units are really amazing units and are perfect for short commuter journeys. They are awesome and simply 10/10. While I'll miss the Class 507 and 508 units, they are ready to be replaced and I think the 777's will grow onto people like the 507/8's. Great video!

[@oldtechnobodycaresabout]

Maybe southeastern should get some and London Overground should get some if they take over more lines

[@ChineseTrainGuy]

I think the new 777s trains livery is nice, same with the current 507/8s.

[@ChineseTrainGuy]

And apart from the hard seats, they fulfill their service well

[@onerobloxian8702]

@@oldtechnobodycaresabout they'll just be fore merseyrail, stadler build it just for them I think.

[@MidlandMainlineMadnessandmore]

Well they sure as hell wont grow on me the 777 triple sevens or what ever the fuck you call the stupid things are just down right hideous they no external or internal appeal they are pretty much the 720's but twice as ugly

[@chrisedmundson6673]

Nice trains, but just to correct you the plug socket is the correct way up. If you look at it the cable will run direct from the plug to you phone or laptop with no loop to get tangled with any bags to may have on the floor in front of you.

[@BirbicusButticus]

It's upside down. But it's upside down on purpose.

[@stevewalsh1987]

Love how they have Luggage racks yet Crossrail kind of forgot about them. Gotta give it to Merseyrail these look superb.

[@neilcrawford8303]

That equipment on the track at Central is for extending the turnback siding just beyond the station including a new buffer stop to accommodate 2×777s. It was meant to happen in November, but strike action coincided with the work, so now it's taking place between February 26th and March 1st. Ormskirk and Southport trains will terminate at Moorfields, Kirkby trains terminate at Sandhills, all running on to a temporary twenty minute frequency timetable. The 777s have a few less seats than the 507s+8s. 777s have 184 inc tip up against 192 in tip up. The 777s have a max 2820hp compared to just 880hp of the 507s+8s. They are Greyhounds compared to the 7s & 8s. Chatting to some of the managers of the project on an open day at Southport they said once the 507s+8s have gone the line voltage will be increased to maximise the 777s potential. There have been upgrades and additional substations installed on the network. Steve Rotherham did pass an incidental comment recently on TV about trains every twelve minutes. Not sure if that's a future plan as nothing else has been mentioned. The reduced journey times and reduced turnaround times could make that feasible. The bi-mode 777/1s will be used on the Kirkby branch to Headbolt Lane extension currently being built, as that won't be electrified. 777s can also be dual voltage, but no traction batteries as the space use for the batteries is also the space for the batteries. So it's either bi-mode or dual voltage. On the first day of 777 operation staff explained that the role out will be Kirkby branch, then Ormskirk, the Wirral Line services and finally Southport to Hunts Cross. Southport needs some platform work including extending P 2&3 into the concourse to accommodate 2×777 formations. Hopefully from next Monday Feb 20th all services on the Kirkby branch will be 777s except Sundays.

[@thefrustratedpineapple]

tl;dr

[@ianrobertson2634]

I look forward to travelling on one of these the next time I am in Liverpool. They look like a massive improvement over the 507/508s which are long over due. I know it is not comparing like for like, but these new 777s make the Manchester Metrolink trams seem rather dated and basic, but again they are designed for different functions.

[@trainlagged]

Excellent video, they just keep improving 😎

[@Mitch-Hendren]

I'm so old !! I remember the 40 year old 502/503 units being replaced by 507/508. Everyone at the time said the old trains were better because of the sprung seats . BR made a big deal about the new 507/8’s "riding on a cushion of air" Not that you'd notice on jointed track . Great video btw you've covered everything .

[@dufushead]

Me too mate that's my memory still of Liverpool. Pretty sturdy stuff the 503's, I was surprised the new ones that replaced them when I left were still going. They changed the seat covers after a few years. I just wonder what kids are going to do to these.

[@Merseywail]

It wasn't just the deep sprung seats that's were better on the 502s. The seats were better placed to, you had good views out of every window. The 507s you had a window pillar right in your line of view. Also when first introduced the open hopper windows dropped down much further than now, & you smashed your head against it . The cured that by putting in a spacer, take a look next time your on a 507

[@Rail_Focus]

Class 777 really are superb units, can't wait to see them operating over on the Wirral. Great video 👍

[@SMILEVIDEOTRAINS]

All looks very nice. Well narrated. thank you.

[@downonthestour]

Which one do you prefer.........PEPs of course ;) Great Video Midland. Was great to pop along with you

[@Sim0nTrains]

They are brilliant units, did travel on them during the launch which was way more busier than your train 🤣 but a lovely review, will miss the PEPs but nothing last forever

[@AaronD_]

Great video!

[@cookingfanman1234]

A great vid, thanks.

[@sdd231163]

I remember when the 507s were first introduced, and the excitement my friends and I had when we saw one at Ormskirk. We jumped off the school bus a couple of stops early.

[@crazyoncoffee]

4:59 This is a really nice visual cue and glad to see a UK train getting it. 😊 I first experienced this feature on Montreal Metro’s MPM-10 units in 2018. I think New York’s new subway cars have this as well.

[@updistant705]

The Merseyrail all zone Saveaway tickets also allow travel to Newton le Willows and St Helens, plus all bus services and single journeys on the Mersey Ferries.

[@Benji_transport_vids]

I recently rode on these to Liverpool and, despite the hard-ish seats, the units are amazing - very quiet, large windows, big corridor, etc.

[@uingaeoc3905]

The shopping mall at Central was built where the old 'mainline' station had been. There was no loss of services s these were connected underground to become the Hunt's Cross branch of the Northern Line.

[@EuroDC1990]

I travelled on one of these last week and they really are a breath of fresh air and show what you can do when you truly understand the purpose of the trains you're building and fitting out. The onboard ambience is perfect and they have more character than other recent commuter trains such as the 700s. They're wonderfully light and airy and let in loads of natural light. They have plenty of plug/usb sockets which are obviously a must these days. They have level and gap free boarding from platforms which makes them more accessible. The information systems are plentiful. The seats aren't the most comfortable but they're better than what they're replacing and perfectly suited for shorter commuter journeys, and... They've got bays and airline seats with reasonable space between seats rather than going longitudinal. The only thing missing is toilets

[@ReubenAshwell]

The Class 777's do look like nice trains, I'm looking forward to trying them out for myself later on in the year. :)

[@trainglen22]

I like the new triple 7 cars.

[@mattevans4377]

Personally, I think a much more obvious extension would be to Helsby on the Ellesmere Port line than to Preston on the Ormskirk line. It's much shorter, and the extension actually segregates Merseyrail and other operators, thanks to the 4 platforms available (2 for Merseyrail, 2 for others), rather than Merseyrail having to mix with other services when they reach near Preston.

[@Martincars56]

Looks great. Good upgrade from the 507's etc

[@davideeyore2002]

First time view cool video.

[@mikestephens5622]

The 777's have a sleek, modern design, much better looking than the older stock, and the little platform beneath the door will really help people with mobility issues. Great presentation too! May I ask what speedometer app you use, because it looks brilliant.

[@lordgrumpy7747]

I went on 777009 today I thought I was going to hate it. I quite enjoyed it

[@Sophiebryson510]

Ooh i’m glad

[@AlfrescosEmporium]

Those bike racks look great. Might actually be able to have more mixed vehicle commuters

[@rossmcgarrie9787]

I think 🤔 it’s really good the train maker’s have introduced level boarding trains 🚊 as I have MS so boarding the trains 🚆 in my Powerchair will make life so much easier. It’s only a matter of time before ALL train maker’s introduce level boarding trains. Whenever it takes 10 to 20 years or more it will happen eventually i hope folks. 👍

[@stephenanderson4603]

They are a revelation 👍

[@blocked4239]

When you go past Crewe Carriage Sidings you can see a lot of 777s

[@ragnarvagmoernasson1877]

Still would like to see the 503s running the system again.

[@derekholcroft]

I thought you would have commented on the work being carried out on the northern side of Kirkby station to double the tracks, saw this on a trip to Wigan. I think it's for a new station further up the line served by the battery equipped trains.

[@updistant705]

Headbolt Lane, about a mile towards Wigan

[@fkl770]

in central there is 3 levels unused upper level lower level (northen line) and deep level (Wirral loop line)

[@glynjones2540]

Nice ride but wouldn't you have fancied going to Kirkby by tram on the newly extended line? One of my favourite treats a very long time ago!

[@footynutguy]

First time viewer. This is a very interesting video, thanks. I am blind but have a bit of usable video. Back in 2018, I did a report about the mock up that was on display st lime street at the time. In my conclusions I mentioned about the humps that we’re in the mo k up, apparently over the wheel mechanisms. At the time they said they couldn’t do anything about this. Can you confirm that they still exist? Aldo, I mentioned about the doors opening on the left or right. Yours is the first video I’ve seen which has said they have implemented it so I was wondering how delayed these messages are? Would someone who is blind have enough time to know which side to get off, maybe with other sounds? Once again, thanks for such a great video and I hope you are able to help me out with this information add it would be useful to know before taking my first trip on the new trains.

[@Ricky-nb1sb]

Someone who uses these old trains regularly I can't wait I feel these old trains are not safe anymore and sure don't sound it but am sure they are.

[@oldtechnobodycaresabout]

Maybe a worthy replacement for the class 465 and 466 on southeastern?

[@toddhunter3137]

There's only one door on each side of the end coaches, for the southeast they would probably need to have these units modified to have the standard two doors on each side, but otherwise yes, they would be a great replacement for the networkers.

[@aviano72]

Those Boeing 777 looks great

[@rich_rich90]

The new DLR trains have green/red doorway lightning too (see Geoff Marshall's vid). I wonder if this is a new trend incoming for new UK stock?

[@AaronD_]

It probably will as those who have hearing impairments will benefit from those lights, some trains do have a small flashing light but can be harder to see.

[@mikecollins8936]

Can we put the old seats in the new trains and get rid of the door buttons?

[@gapthemind--mindthegap8524]

The unit isn't that much longer than 508s in length this is due to the individual carriages being shorter than the 508s. But it still has the extra capacity regardless.

[@westmidlandstransport]

I have a request, can u review the class 323 for WMR?

[@batman51]

Nice not to have to travel sideways!

[@owenchuarbx]

The Triple 7s are shaming even 378s when it comes to acceleration speed.

[@dodahspeak]

The 507/508's may not be as technically advanced or economic to run and maintain as the new 777's ..... but they have bagloads of "character". The 777's front end looks more like a city tram than a heavy rail train.

[@philipmason3218]

I travelled on one of the new trains a few days ago. The first thing to great me were a couple of vandalised / slashed seats. Hopefully the neanderthals were caught.

[@kevingraham2733]

Yes the 777's are so perfect that they keep breaking down and yes they are new i get it. But i prefar the old 507/508's, to me they were perfect.

[@YellowDragonPlays]

Correction at 2:27 - Merseyrail offer free WiFi at all their underground stations, however they do not offer free wifi at their overground stations, potentially due to worries of misuse or people abusing the free wifi around nearby homes. 3:55 - It actually stands for Merseyrail. These trains were specifically designed to run on the Merseyrail network, and therefore had a rather unique face at the front/back of the train to show how proud the Metro Mayor is for the success of Merseyrail and how long the network has been in operation. I'm a local around Liverpool, I've lived in the city for quite a few decades now, and was even one of the first to ride the Class 777, with the first public service being the 10:50 Liverpool Central to Kirkby just over 2 weeks ago now. They're fantastic trains, and offer a great deal of comfort to the older Class 507 and 508 units still running on other parts of the network. Having charging ports is especially great for longer journeys such as to Southport or Chester, and the new trains could eventually be running up to Preston, Wigan, and Wrexham with their batteries fully charged.

[@ianrobertson2634]

Also has most people have a data contract unless it is in a blackspot WIFI at overground stations isn't really needed.

[@neilwilliams1193]

The light cluster M stands for Metro - the Stadler Metro product. The Class 555s for the Tyne and Wear Metro have it too.

[@BEdward23]

Southport still has not got them yet?

[@ChineseTrainGuy]

I wouldn't say these trains are perfect, as they are expected to run pretty long routes, such as Hunts Cross to Southport, which has lots of stops. It also doesn't help that they have rock hard seats, the only good thing is a extra carriage and charging sockets. No toilets and mid ride quality, especially considering they are bouncier than the 507s/508s. Expecting to also work towards Manchester and Preston, I am not looking forward to riding them.

[@LostsTVandRadio]

The triple sevens leaving Heathrow travel much faster!!

[@simonlewis720]

I believe the new trains are breaking down constantly

[@bertspeggly4428]

If they had sufficient leg room they wouldn't be airline seats.........😊😊

[@u.k.trainandbusvids]

I know your gonna do this anyways but when our Tyne & Wear metro Class 555 enter service why not do a video about it

[@jacobporrett]

The M in the light clusters could mean "M" for Midland London. Have you thought about that? 😉 I haven't been on the 777 yet but they do look fantastic trains. Great video

[@amyryan763]

I'm yo scared to go underground😢

[@danielmiller2915]

Class 777

[@talaus1gaming972]

Sadly, guards are no longer guards. They are called train managers

[@robertjackson3101]

Yes....but it doesn't go to our Airport, or lots of other places for that matter.

[@britishmodified]

Not the newest soon. The 555s are on their way to Tyneside and wearside

[@affectionatepunch]

Oh ffs! They're the newest at the moment and guess what one day something will be newer than a 555 jeez🙄

[@wilcaroll1410]

Park bench seats more foam in the Mersey cheap nasty panels on the bodyside hand rails in the middle to break your arms load sensors to stop the train overweight nice and quick quiet

[@alanshelly7068]

777

[@JonTechilovsky]

Do these trains have WiFi?

[@g4viscon]

Yes

[@edwardvincentbriones5062]

Merseyrail is going the North Stafford way!

[@Eggnoodlesandketchup3]

There's no windows, no ventilation, on a warm day they stink!

[@oktfg]

Great video. 777s improve the service, but the hard seats and loud door beeping on change over at Liverpool Central are annoying compared to the existing train sets. Pity the rail unions delayed the introduction by 4 years with pedantic demands to preserve the now obsolete guard. Appears the Swiss Manufacturer wasn’t prepared to compromise the safety of the train design by bending to these unrealistic union demands with guards role now reduced to standing in the door lobby with the passengers and pressing a button any passenger can press for themselves. 😂

[@fromthefountofyouth]

I've heard the flashing lights and beeping sounds are to cater to some form of aural and visual disabilities.

[@updistant705]

I like to see the presence of a guard for security reasdons.

[@oktfg]

@@updistant705 suppose some folk wanted to preserve the role of the man walking in front of the train waving a red flag back in the day. Technological progress makes role’s obsolete - guards are one of the old fashioned roles modern trains make redundant

[@updistant705]

@@oktfg Which is perfectly true but does not address my point about a guard providing a security presence.

[@rayyan6515]

Let me say Boeing 777 < Class 777

[@Luftkuhlt964]

Brand new seats that can’t fit two adults side by side. It’s basically failed before it’s started. Why are the central walkways so wide? Wouldn’t it make more sense to have wider seats and smaller isles

[@SpudderRail]

There are wider aisles so that people with reduced mobility can move through the train easier, it also creates 50% more capacity as there is more space for people to stand during peak services.

[@chloewilliams1112]

​@@SpudderRail Not sure how you'll get increased standing capacity considering there are no overhead handles and only one bar per seat. Unless people are expected to stand without any support or anchoring the wider aisles don't seem to facilitate this at all.

[@nataliehilton9334]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The old trains are SOOOOO much better than the new ones. They've lasted 40 years; what does that tell you about how well they were built? The new plastic ones won't last 5 minutes.

[@downonthestour]

I'm sure Wheelchair Users would agreee with you.......not. New trains are miles better

[@colinvespa4709]

Problem is spare parts, as they wear out, you would have rob other trains for spare parts and that one train is taken off fleet, as the fleet gets older the need for spares increases with even less trains to run, essentially circling the drain..... It comes to a point where it's not viable anymore.

[@updistant705]

That is said about every new train and is seldom true.

[@sortascouseace]

The old trains keep breaking down they have reached the end of their life now it's about time they got replaced. I will miss the clicking noises the peps make though

[@mikecawood]

The rail unions - totally opposed to progress.