Merseyrail Network Expansion: Rolling Stock Feasibility Study

[Wavertreelad]

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority intends to directly award a contract to Stadler Rail Schweiz AG to undertake 4 feasibility studies into modifications to the Class 777 Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit (IPEMU), supporting the potential future expansion of the Merseyrail network.
The proposed modifications are intended to enable Class 777 IPEMUs to operate effectively on potential extensions beyond the existing Merseyrail network, including routes without third-rail electrification and routes involving longer journey times.
The feasibility work will examine overhead DC charging, alternative battery-charging arrangements, the

installation of onboard toilets and the manufacture of additional IPEMUs or conversion of existing Class 777 EMUs into battery-powered units.

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/084795-2026?origin=SearchResults&p=1

 

[XFeed]

There have been suggestions in recent years that they could possibly run on the Borderlands line to provide a direct link between Wrexham and Liverpool without trains being terminated at Bidston.

 

[tutacre]

I can't currently provide a source, so treat this accordingly, but I believe the areas involved are:

Ellesmere Port to Helsby
Wrexham to Bidston (but extended through to either Birkenhead/Liverpool)
Chester - flexible platforming / future DC removal once life expired or other work necessitates removal

Kirkby/Ormskirk to Wigan/Preston not in scope.

Hunts Cross to Warrington Central not in scope but possible.

Probably worth a speculative post to discuss further, but this is my high level understanding of the actual position.

 

[Djgr]

I can't currently provide a source, so treat this accordingly, but I believe the areas involved are:

Ellesmere Port to Helsby
Wrexham to Bidston (but extended through to either Birkenhead/Liverpool)
Chester - flexible platforming / future DC removal once life expired or other work necessitates removal

Kirkby/Ormskirk to Wigan/Preston not in scope.

Hunts Cross to Warrington Central not in scope but possible.

Probably worth a speculative post to discuss further, but this is my high level understanding of the actual position.

Bidston to Wrexham top of list, as Merseyrail have a pro-active willing partner with the Welsh government