Liverpool City’s President has called the introduction of battery-powered trains “groundbreaking,” despite some initial reliability concerns. The fleet was launched on Merseyrail in October last year as part of a £500 million investment. Steve Rotheram, the President of Liverpool City Region, aims to make the trains among the most punctual in the country.
However, the new technology did not come without reliability issues. Rotheram said that although being a pioneer comes with challenges, he is proud of the region’s new trains. “It has been a breakthrough year for the entire city region in terms of what we want to achieve in public transportation,” he said on BBC Merseyside radio. “It is true that we encountered some initial problems, but it is important to look at the bigger picture.”
Rotheram stated that the trains now operate at around 90% reliability. The £500 million publicly-owned fleet replaced a 40-year-old rail stock and was introduced in October as the first of its kind in the UK.
This is part of Rotheram’s plan to create a “fully integrated London-style transport system” and ensure “cleaner and more sustainable” transportation, aiming for Liverpool City Region to become carbon-neutral by 2040.
The new trains have 50% more seating capacity, provide Wi-Fi, power sockets, and are wheelchair and bike-friendly.
However, there have been issues with the Swiss-made train fleet operating on the Kirkby line. Criticism arose due to the earlier introduction of the trains, but Rotheram stated that tests were completed in 2020, with the launch planned for 2023, allowing “plenty of time for all necessary actions.”
“This year has been pivotal for the entire city region in terms of our plans for public transportation,” he said.
He added that being the first battery-powered fleet in the UK comes with some “initial difficulties,” but expects residents to appreciate that compared to other rail operators serving the Liverpool City area, these trains perform at a much higher level. “I’m not overly confident, and I would like our performance to return to where it was before, around 95% reliability.”
FAQ:
1. What is Merseyrail?
Merseyrail is a commuter train network serving the Liverpool City region in the UK.
2. What were the issues with the new battery-powered trains?
The new battery-powered trains had some initial reliability issues but currently operate at around 90% reliability.
3. What are the advantages of the new trains?
The new trains have increased seating capacity, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and are wheelchair and bike-friendly.
4. What are the goals of Steve Rotheram regarding public transportation in Liverpool City Region?
Steve Rotheram’s goals include creating a “fully integrated London-style transport system” and ensuring “cleaner and more sustainable” transportation, aiming for Liverpool City Region to become carbon-neutral by 2040.
5. When is the planned introduction of the new train fleet?
The battery-powered train fleet’s tests will be completed in 2020, with the launch planned for 2023.
Definitions:
1. Merseyrail: A commuter train network serving the Liverpool City region in the UK.
2. Reliability: The extent to which something operates without failure or breakdown.
3. Fleet: A group of vehicles owned by an organization or company.
4. Carbon emissions: The release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.
5. Passengers: Individuals traveling by means of transportation, such as trains, planes, buses, etc.
Suggested Related Links:
Official Merseyrail Website
Merseytravel Website with Public Transportation Information
The source of the article is from the blog procarsrl.com.ar