Liverpool city region’s £500m 52-strong new train fleet is almost completely rolled out and Merseyrail is to hold a ‘farewell tour’ for the old fleet which has been in service since 1978. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyrail has announced a “farewell tour” for its outgoing Class 507 train fleet which is being replaced by the new Class 777 fleet.
Acquired by the Combined Authority from Swiss manufacturer Stadler at a cost of £500m, the first of the 52-strong fleet of 777s entered service on Merseyrail in January 2023. A current rollout on the Southport line means the process is almost complete.
This means the old trains, which have been in service on the Merseyrail network since 1978, will be retired. Before they disappear customers, train enthusiasts and people from across the country will get a special opportunity to say farewell
In order to make sure the old fleet is given a proper send-off, Merseyrail and the Branch Line Society will be hosting two farewell tours.
The first tour, the Wirral Swan Song, will take place on Sunday, September 15, on the Wirral line. Starting at Hooton at 9.20am, the special service will call at all destinations on the Wirral line, ending back at Hooton at 6pm with lunch and breaks included.
The second and final farewell tour will take place later in the year. Details will be announced nearer to the time.
Sally Ralston, head of community and engagement at Merseyrail, said: “These trains are much-loved by people not just from within Liverpool city region, but across the whole of the UK.
“The proceeds of the ticket sales will benefit Merseyrail’s current charity partners – Centre 56, Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary, Blackburne House and Parkinson’s Wirral.
“Onboard, there will be an opportunity to purchase souvenirs for the special trip including window decals. A charity raffle will give people the chance to win some fantastic prizes and further support the charities.”
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The 507 fleet is currently leased from Angel Trains, who are also supporting the farewell tours. David Jordan, chief operating officer at Angel Trains, added: “We are proud to have supported passengers travelling across Liverpool and beyond for the past 30 years.
“We would like to thank all those at Merseyrail and Merseytravel, who have worked with us to keep this fleet delivering for passengers for as long as it has.”