Merseyrail Class 777 introduction updates

[Sorcerer]

While I understand the reasoning behind the lack of new trains on the Merseyrail network, it's still quite a shame. The 507/508s have served us well but we really were in need of a new fleet, and given just how well Stadler Rail stock has been received on the Greater Anglia network I was very keen on trying some new Swiss quality trains.

 

[karlbbb]

Seems to have happened very recently that the new "4 car" markers, which were previously covered and taped, are now visible at a lot of stations - at least those I saw on the Ormskirk line yesterday. Feels like another tiny step towards 777 actually becoming a reality.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Another thread (forget which one) says the RMT have agreed and a vote has confirmed the operating procedures for guards, just need ASLEF to agree the driver ones now (which as it involves being responsible for the doors may not be quick).

 

[Sam 76]

Seems to have happened very recently that the new "4 car" markers, which were previously covered and taped, are now visible at a lot of stations - at least those I saw on the Ormskirk line yesterday. Feels like another tiny step towards 777 actually becoming a reality.

Same on the Southport line too this week across the board

 

[DJH1971]

Some encouraging news.

Huge step towards new Merseyrail trains as RMT guards deal finally agreed

Huge step towards new Merseyrail trains as RMT guards deal agreed

The long-running dispute has been settled, meaning the arrival of state-of-the-art trains is edging closer

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

 

[paddyb6]

Some encouraging news...

Huge step towards new Merseyrail trains as RMT guards deal agreed

The long-running dispute has been settled, meaning the arrival of state-of-the-art trains is edging closer

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk

Very good news, hope we can see some more of them out now on test.

 

[AndrewE]

Good news. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/huge-step-towards-new-merseyrail-24440544 says:

The long-awaited introduction of a new fleet of state-of-the-art Merseyrail trains has taken a huge step forward after a long-running dispute over guard positions was finally settled.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union voted in favour of proposals for establishing a new permanent position of train manager on the new Merseyrail class 777 service trains. This new position will continue the role of the existing guards on the new trains...

 

[Ribbleman]

Very good news, hope we can see some more of them out now on test.

Testing of those units that are in the UK must be all but completed. Further deliveries of some of the rest of the fleet, stored in Switzerland and Poland, will be required before there are more sets to test.

 

[childwallblues]

At last very good news. I never understood why the Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram never tried to solve the dispute.

 

[Skie]

At last very good news. I never understood why the Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram never tried to solve the dispute.

He did. His intervention during the strikes is what eventually led to this agreement.

Testing of those units that are in the UK must be all but completed. Further deliveries of some of the rest of the fleet, stored in Switzerland and Poland, will be required before there are more sets to test.

Yep. But not enough space to bring more over until some of the old units can be returned to the rosco. Once the 777’s are introduced on whatever line gets them first, that’ll enable a corresponding number of 507/508s to be sent away and the next batch of 777s will head over to be tested and accepted. Rinse and repeat until all lines are converted to 777 running.

Once Aslef agree to operate the trains the plan for rollout should go public.

 

[Pacef8]

So have we established what the guards roll will be and what they operate and do they collect fares ?

 

[AndrewE]

He did. His intervention during the strikes is what eventually led to this agreement.

Yep. But not enough space to bring more over until some of the old units can be returned to the rosco. Once the 777’s are introduced on whatever line gets them first, that’ll enable a corresponding number of 507/508s to be sent away and the next batch of 777s will head over to be tested and accepted. Rinse and repeat until all lines are converted to 777 running.

Once Aslef agree to operate the trains the plan for rollout should go public.

Oh dear... let's hope there aren't any more hiccups.
UK plc is crap at moving forward!
My explanation is that the front-line troops are generally treated like dirt nowadays and there's obviously absolutely no "all in it together (for the public good)" any more, as they have been treated so badly for so long that all goodwill has evaporated.

 

[MR-507508]

Have all the class 777 units currently in the UK finished their fault-free running/mileage accumulation and been accepted by Merseytravel.
Any idea when driver training will start?
777018 is running all day today between Ormskirk and Liverpool Central. First time I have seen this on a Sunday.

 

[8A Rail]

Have all the class 777 units currently in the UK finished their fault-free running/mileage accumulation and been accepted by Merseytravel.
Any idea when driver training will start?
777018 is running all day today between Ormskirk and Liverpool Central. First time I have seen this on a Sunday.

I understand a couple of the Class 777's have been accepted by Merseytravel / rail but the remainder on Merseyside still require more live running. Driver training will not commence I imagine until ASLEF and Merseytravel have come to an agreement on operating the Class 777's. Merseytravel are hoping for an introduction date sometime in Autumn all being well.

 

[Sam 76]

I understand a couple of the Class 777's have been accepted by Merseytravel / rail but the remainder on Merseyside still require more live running. Driver training will not commence I imagine until ASLEF and Merseytravel have come to an agreement on operating the Class 777's. Merseytravel are hoping for an introduction date sometime in Autumn all being well.

According to Merseytravels website 10 have been handed over now to the city region. More promising signs

 

[warwickshire]

I have heard from a reliable source of mine. During November 2022 is quite very possible some 777s could well enter service.

 

[py_megapixel]

I'll believe it when I see it...

 

[sonic2009]

Where are the 777s stored currently? I know a few are in Crewe.

 

[D821]

I'm not expecting to see them enter service til next year.

 

[childwallblues]

I'm not expecting to see them enter service til next year.

Maybe not on the Wirral.

 

[D821]

Definitely not Wirral (I've yet to see one in the flesh though I know they've test ran them here), though I'm cynical they'll be ready for the Kirkby branch, either.

 

[8A Rail]

Where are the 777s stored currently? I know a few are in Crewe.

Kirkdale C.S. = 003, 007, 009, 010, 013, 015, 018 and 049.
Crewe C.S. = 001, 002, 004, 005, 006, 008, 012, 014, and 016.

The remainder still in Poland and Switzerland.

(# one of the Kirkdale Units tend to be out and about around the system on most days).

 

[sonic2009]

Kirkdale C.S. = 003, 007, 009, 010, 013, 015, 018 and 049.
Crewe C.S. = 001, 002, 004, 005, 006, 008, 012, 014, and 016.

(# one of the Kirkdale Units tend to be out and about around the system on most days).

Thanks @8A Rail

 

[8A Rail]

I have heard from a reliable source of mine. During November 2022 is quite very possible some 777s could well enter service.

Is your reliable source from with in ASLEF then? As until Merseytravel and ASLEF have come to an agreement then no one knows any date. Autumn has been stated as a hopefull commencement date and it may well happen too.

 

[MattRat]

Definitely not Wirral (I've yet to see one in the flesh though I know they've test ran them here), though I'm cynical they'll be ready for the Kirkby branch, either.

They keep going back and forth on Kirby or Ormskirk, but if it's Kirby then they'll have to also get them ready for Headbolt lane, so I predict Ormskirk while the second batch will be for Headbolt lane.

 

[Statto]

Is your reliable source from with in ASLEF then? As until Merseytravel and ASLEF have come to an agreement then no one knows any date. Autumn has been stated as a hopefull commencement date and it may well happen too.

I loath this "i've heard from a source" without reliable any links to it, tends to be complete bull most of the time, as bad as speculation on football transfer gossip (& the speculation threads).

It's ridiculously incompetent that Merseytravel haven't come to any agreement with the unions on the use of the 777s yet, considering how long the 777s been planned for.

 

[ExRes]

It's ridiculously incompetent that Merseytravel haven't come to any agreement with the unions on the use of the 777s yet, considering how long the 777s been planned for.

It's also ridiculously incompetent that the Unions haven't come to any agreement with Merseyrail

 

[urbophile]

It's also ridiculously incompetent that the Unions haven't come to any agreement with Merseyrail

I thought they had.

 

[InOban]

RMT have, but have ASLEF? They weren't going to talk until the RMT had settled.

 

[ExRes]

I thought they had.

Does anyone actually know? all I'm trying to say is that there is always more than one side to a story, many people love to make it 'simple' by blaming the nasty mill owners while the workers can never take any blame, it's not that easy though