ONE of Runcorn’s MPs says he cannot wait to see new electrically powered trains in service in his constituency.
Mike Amesbury made the comments after enjoying a tour aboard the new, state-of-the-art Merseyrail trains.
The Weaver Vale MP, whose constituency includes parts of east Runcorn, was greeted by Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram at Kirkdale depot, where they learned about the electrically-powered Stadler units that will enter service soon.
In future, on board rechargeable batteries in some of the trains will mean stations such as Runcorn East, Frodsham and Helsby in his constituency can be reached for the first time, with no need for an electrified third rail.
Publicly owned by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the 53-strong £460million fleet will serve the needs of the local population and economy while keeping cars off the road.
Mr Amesbury said: “These are the people’s trains, publicly-owned and brand-spanking new. They have got wi-fi access and disabled access, as well and plenty of room for bikes.
“When we look at carbon zero and those ambitious targets – we are in a climate emergency – well, this is exactly what we need.
“They will partially operate on batteries, and of course they will be able to get places where the current trains cannot.
“With no need for that third rail, they can go into Runcorn East and to Helsby and further afield.
“It is fantastic, and I look forward to seeing them in my constituency.”
As part of a trial, one of the new class 777 trains fitted with the battery technology was successfully tested on the Northern line.
A map with potential future routes shows the Merseyrail network extended to serve Runcorn East, Frodsham and Helsby.
Mr Rotheram said at the end of the Kirkdale depot visit: “The battery trains are here, so they are happening.”
New routes would have to be agreed with the Office of Rail Regulation and extra funding secured for more units.
But the mayor concluded: “I know that one day we will be going to places like Runcorn that we currently do not service because we would have to put a third rail in.
“We do not need that because of the new technology.”
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