Trying Out Liverpool's New Trains (sneak peek for Tyne & Wear!)

I went to check out Merseyrail's brand new Class 777 metro trains - since they were built by Stadler, just like the upcoming Tyne and Wear Metro Class 555 trains, I wanted to get a preview of what might be in store for the people of Tyneside and Wearside... and if these trains are anything to go by, we're definitely in for a real treat.

[@northbytrain]

They look very nice! I can't wait for the Class 555s to start service!

[@commorevpenguin9602]

Very exciting indeed

[@stephenmcculley7]

Being from the Merseyside area myself, I noticed when I was Newcastle that some of the platforms at Monument didn't half remind of Moorfields Northern Line. Yes I know they should be similar as they are both on Metro type systems but the similarity was uncanny.

[@theblubbered]

Lets not also forget that if you completely disassemble these and our new Glasgow Subway trains and inspected them carefully... they'd look nothing alike. But I do notice a few similarities. The door lights, a few bits of the interior, the wipers and no doubt quite a few bits underneath.

[@edificity]

You're quite right, they've all been heavily customised for their own systems, just with a few shared Stadler design flourishes... which I happen to quite like. Can't wait to try out the new Subway trains

[@fonzypop]

Great video! I’m involved in the 555s at the depot and they are superb

[@LoganKT]

I have read recently that the 555s will begin Daylight testing, of course there are Mesh Netting covering doors, CCTV onboard, Staff on board to prevent passengers boarding, and stickers on the doors, this is because the trains will have to open and close their doors when the pull in.

[@Andrewjg_89]

The Class 777 Merseyrail trains are incredible trains with some that can run on battery power including to Headbolt Lane.

[@stuartwells4133]

I’ve seen the new Tyne & Wear Metro in a yard. It was supposed to come into service September 2023 but then it was put back till December 2023 & then put back again until January 2024. It’s now July 2024 and still no sign of these supposed new Metro’s coming into service. The excuses Nexus say is “ we need to do more tests “. 🤷🏼

[@edificity]

I made a video on this. If more tests need doing, I'd rather they did them - wouldn't you?

[@stuartwells4133]

@@edificity Yes, but come on ! ⏱ are the wheels attached ✅ dose the steering wheel work ✅ do the brakes work ✅. It has just seemed like non stop tests by the time they do actually go into service they will be out of date 🤣.

[@kyatisback12]

I'm not the biggest fan of new trains but lately there have been some really nice new trains coming out I have to admit. The 777 and also 555 stock loos so good, it's amazing. Also the new JK trains that are suppose to enter service next year look pretty good. The most annoying thing about modern trains are the doors. These noises are so annoying and every single one of those new cars has them.

[@user-xu1oi7sd5h]

Is this new train's seating longitudinal, not transversal? My understanding was opposite 😕

[@caramelldansen2204]

Shame about the batteries. I hoped the new extension would be a great excuse to kick Merseyrail up the arse to finally adopt OLE at least partially. T&W win this point, certainly. Shame also about the old trains. I'll miss them.

[@edificity]

The T&W Metro wouldn't have overhead wires (even unconventional voltage) if the third rails hadn't been ripped out in the 60s. I'd be glad Merseyrail is electrified at all... T&W claims to want to try batteries in some extensions too. Can't imagine having to beg central government for a few wires

[@caramelldansen2204]

@@edificity I'd argue the current state of "less than the bare minimum" isn't okay for what I feel is a world-class city. Not only is the 3rd rail system an issue for expansion, but the Merseyrail system is frankly anemic and offers basically no coverage to the south and east of Liverpool (unless you're lucky enough to live by the waterfront)! Don't get me started on the absolute lack of suburban connections, the absent airport link, and the fact that only two of the four major city connections are Merseyrail (despite there being a mothballed railway into the heart of Warrington along the Mersey, past Fiddler's Ferry). Most of the current Merseyrail system is inherited from pre-BR days, and we've lost a hell of a lot while gaining very little. While I gues it's nice it's not diesel, it's faint praise This is just comparing Liverpool to London; never mind to a European city! We let our govt get away with far too much destruction of our railway, and we need to be much stronger on them. Is such a thing even possible under a capitalist system if it doesn't benefit the elite?

[@edificity]

I agree. Compare any UK city other than London to a European (particularly German) counterpart and the difference is damning. The worst thing is any sensible person can see how strong our local economies could be with even a little targeted european-style transport investment. First step is local authority ownership. Then full funding.

[@caramelldansen2204]

@@edificity I'm glad to hear it; there are far too many train-tubers out there whose goals and expectations are shockingly low and unhelpful. We all need a shift in our thinking. Iswould argue the issue is inherent to the capitalist system itself; the profit motive, after all, is the underlying reasons behind both destroying and not expanding rail infrastructure. Even a nationalised system has to operate in a profit-driven society, and if the climate disaster is anything to go by, this is something we need to move past.

[@caramelldansen2204]

*I would 😅

[@user-xh3lz9xt4l]

It better not be all transverse seating, that will be absolute crap