The new fleet of Merseyrail trains have started being gradually rolled out on the West Kirby line.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has spent £500 million on the trains, which replace rolling stock that is now more than 40 years old.
The new trains include step-free access, phone chargers, wi-fi and more room for bikes and wheelchairs.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This investment shows the difference devolution makes.
“We’re charting our own course, putting the public back into public transport and delivering the services that our 1.6 million residents deserve.”
Wirral Council leader, Paul Stuart, said: ” This represents a significant step forward in improving our transportation infrastructure and enhancing the travel experience for Wirral residents and visitors.
“Their advanced features and innovative design will revolutionise how people travel, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey for all passengers.
“Providing step-free access for all passengers will remove barriers and enable everyone to travel freely and independently, regardless of mobility. It reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive and accessible transportation network that caters to the needs of everyone.
“I am confident that they will positively impact our community, fostering greater connectivity and improving the daily lives of our residents.”
To enable driver training on the new fleet, a small number of weekday services are currently cancelled – passengers are advised to check the Merseyrail website before they travel.
All aboard – my first experience of a new Merseyrail train…
It was an unexpected surprise when we arrived at West Kirby station on Monday morning to be told by the man in the ticket office that we’d be travelling on one of the new Merseyrail fleet, writes Paul Johnston.
The first thing you notice is that you don’t have to step up to get on board, thanks to the sliding step which pops out when the doors open.
Taking your seat, there’s a more airy feel to the trains, with bigger windows that let in more light.
You can now charge your phone or tablet at your seat, and there are coat hooks and wifi.
Some Merseyrail travellers have criticised the seats – personally I found them firm but not uncomfortable.
As we left for Liverpool, the pull of acceleration as we headed towards Hoylake pushed me back into my seat, something I’d not experienced on a Merseyrail train before.
They are also noticeably quieter to travel on, particularly around the Liverpool loop, because the air conditioning negates the need for opening windows.
It wasn’t all perfect: the automated tannoy system on our train couldn’t work out whether it was heading towards Liverpool or West Kirby, and the wifi didn’t seem to be working.
Overall though, they are a big improvement on the old fleet.
