View source for Merseyrail

{{Short description|Commuter rail system in England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox public transit
| image = Merseyrail logo.svg
| imagesize = 
| alt = Merseyrail logo, a yellow letter M on a grey circle.
| owner = [[Merseytravel]], [[Network Rail]]
| area served = Liverpool City Region and surrounding areas
| locale = {{ubl|[[Liverpool City Region]] ([[Merseyside]] and [[Borough of Halton|Halton]])|[[Cheshire]]|[[Lancashire]]}}
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail]]
| start = 
| end = 
| stations = 69 (67 managed{{efn|1=
Merseyrail managed 66 stations until 5 October 2023, when {{rws|Headbolt Lane}} opened.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 July 2024 |title=Train Operating Company Key Statistics, April 2023 to March 2024: Merseyrail |url= https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/uc5hoi5h/merseyrail-2023-24.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Headbolt Lane Station In Kirkby Opens To Merseyrail Services |url=https://www.merseyrail.org/news/station-and-service-updates/headbolt-lane-station-in-kirkby-opens-to-merseyrail-services/ |access-date=13 November 2023 |website=www.merseyrail.org |archive-date=13 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113010559/https://www.merseyrail.org/news/station-and-service-updates/headbolt-lane-station-in-kirkby-opens-to-merseyrail-services/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}})
| annual_ridership = 28.3 million (2023/2024)<ref name="orr2324" />
| daily_ridership = 
| chief_executive = Neil Grabham<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.merseyrail.org/news/general-interest/new-merseyrail-managing-director-named/ | title=New Merseyrail Managing Director Named | website=Merseyrail | access-date=16 July 2023 | archive-date=16 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230716145713/https://www.merseyrail.org/news/general-interest/new-merseyrail-managing-director-named/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
| website = {{Official URL}}
| began_operation = 1886 as the Mersey Railway, 1977 as expanded Merseyrail
| operator = Merseyrail Electrics 2002 ([[Serco]] and [[Transport UK Group]])
| host = [[Network Rail]]
| character = [[Commuter rail]], [[National Rail]] [[passenger rail franchising in Great Britain|franchise]]
| vehicles = 53
|stock ={{brc|777}}
| map = [[File:Merseyrail Map - 2024.svg|250px|Map of the Merseyrail network.]]
| map_state = show
| name = Merseyrail
| image2 = 777010 at Hooton Station 20210728-1.jpg
| caption2 = A [[British Rail Class 777|Class 777]] in service on the [[Wirral line]] at [[Hooton railway station|Hooton]]
| lines = 2 (plus main line commuter services)
| headway = 15 minutes (general), 5 minutes (central sections), 30 minutes (Ellesmere Port branch, general in evenings and on Sundays)
| train_length = 4 cars, 8 cars during peak times
| el = {{750 V DC|conductor=y}}
| track_gauge = {{track gauge|uksg|allk=on}}
| headquarters = Rail House, Liverpool
}}

'''Merseyrail''' is a [[commuter rail]] network which serves [[Merseyside]] and adjacent areas of [[Cheshire]] and [[Lancashire]] in the [[North West England|North West of England]]. Merseyrail serves 69 [[Railway station|stations]], 67 of which it manages,{{efn|{{rws|Chester}} station is owned by Network Rail and operated by Transport for Wales. {{stn|Liverpool Lime Street}} is owned and managed by Network Rail, however Merseyrail operates the underground platforms.}} across two lines – the [[Northern line (Merseyrail)|Northern line]] and the [[Wirral line]]. The network uses {{750 V DC|conductor=y}} electrified lines having {{convert|120.7|km|abbr=out|order=flip}} of routes, of which {{convert|6.5|mi}} are underground. Since January 2023, Merseyrail commenced replacing its train fleet, withdrawing the [[British Rail Class 507|Class 507]] and [[British Rail Class 508|508]] trains and introducing 53 new [[British Rail Class 777|Class 777]] trains.<ref name="FIMechE-2023">{{Cite web |last=FIMechE |first=Malcolm Dobell BTech CEng |date=23 February 2023 |title=Mersey Electrics Class 777 and system upgrade |url=https://www.railengineer.co.uk/mersey-electrics-class-777-and-system-upgrade/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Rail Engineer |archive-date=12 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112111558/https://www.railengineer.co.uk/mersey-electrics-class-777-and-system-upgrade/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="orr20222">{{cite web |date=28 July 2022 |title=Train Operating Company Key Statistics: April 2021 to March 2022 |url=https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/2100/merseyrail-key-statistics-2021-22.pdf |access-date=3 December 2022 |publisher=[[Office of Rail and Road]] |archive-date=3 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203185413/https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/2100/merseyrail-key-statistics-2021-22.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The network carried 28.3 million passengers in the 2023/2024 statistical period.<ref name="orr2324">{{Cite web |date=30 July 2024 |title=Train Operating Company Key Statistics, April 2023 to March 2024: Merseyrail |url=https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/uc5hoi5h/merseyrail-2023-24.pdf }}</ref>

The concession to operate Merseyrail is held by Merseyrail Electrics 2002, a joint venture between [[Serco]] and [[Transport UK Group]] (formerly [[Abellio (transport company)|Abellio UK]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.transport-uk.com/about |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Transport UK |archive-date=12 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112110405/https://www.transport-uk.com/about |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Serco and Transport UK |url=https://www.merseyrail.org/about-us/serco-and-transport-uk/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=www.merseyrail.org |archive-date=12 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112110404/https://www.merseyrail.org/about-us/serco-and-transport-uk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The concession is awarded by the [[Liverpool City Region Combined Authority]] and is overseen by [[Merseytravel]], the [[passenger transport executive]] which co-ordinates public transport across the [[Liverpool City Region]]. Merseyrail branding and ticketing is also applied to stations on the [[City line (Merseytravel)|City line]], which are within the Liverpool City Region but do not form part of the Merseyrail concession.

Merseyrail was established in 1977, when existing railway lines were connected by constructing new tunnels under [[Liverpool city centre]] and [[Birkenhead]]. The network has since been extended at its peripheries, primarily by electrifying existing lines and transferring the electrified sections into Merseyrail. New stations have also been opened. Seven of the Class 777 trains can operate using batteries, which has allowed the Northern line to extend beyond the electrified track at [[Kirkby railway station|Kirkby]] to a new terminus at [[Headbolt Lane railway station|Headbolt Lane]].<ref name="FIMechE-2023" />

Merseyrail has its origins in the underground [[Mersey Railway]] of 1886, which forms the core, being the world's second underground passenger railway after the 1863 [[Metropolitan Railway]], now a part of [[London Underground]]. The network has a number world firsts.

==Network==
{{Merseyrail map
| width = 300
| places =
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.4075|long=-2.9784|label={{nowrap|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[[Liverpool Lime Street railway station|Lime Street]]}}|label_size=85|position=top}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.358|long=-2.890|label=[[Liverpool South Parkway railway station|South Parkway]]|label_size=85|position=left}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.339|long=-2.739|label={{rws|Runcorn}}|label_size=85|position=left}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.451|long=-2.638|label={{rws|Earlestown}}|label_size=85|position=top}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.410|long=-2.843|label={{rws|Huyton}}|label_size=85|position=right}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.453|long=-2.730|label={{rws|St Helens Central}}|label_size=85|position=left}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.392|long=-2.593|label={{rws|Warrington Central}}|label_size=85|position=top}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.386|long=-2.603|label={{rws|Warrington Bank Quay}}|label_size=85|position=bottom}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.543|long=-2.632|label={{rws|Wigan North Western}}|label_size=85|position=left}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.373|long=-3.184|label=[[West Kirby railway station|West<br />Kirby]]|label_size=85|position=bottom|mark=Green pog.svg}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.437|long=-3.049|label={{rws|New Brighton}}|label_size=85|position=left|mark=Green pog.svg}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.282|long=-2.896|label={{nowrap|{{rws|Ellesmere Port}}}}|label_size=85|position=top|mark=Green pog.svg}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.275|long=-2.97|label={{nowrap|{{rws|Chester}}}}|label_size=85|position=left|mark=Map arrow black se.svg}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.554|long=-3.071|label={{rws|Formby}}|label_size=85|position=left|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.647|long=-3.002|label={{rws|Southport}}|label_size=85|position=left|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.569|long=-2.881|label={{rws|Ormskirk}}|label_size=85|position=left|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.491|long=-2.886|label={{nowrap|{{rws|Headbolt Lane}}}}|label_size=85|position=right|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
   {{Location map~|Merseyside|lat=53.361|long=-2.856|label={{nowrap|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;{{rws|Hunts Cross}}}}|label_size=85|position=top|mark=Blue pog.svg}}
|caption=Geographic map of the Merseyrail network, City line, and minor routes.}}

The self-contained network is operated by Merseyrail Electrics 2002, a 50:50 joint venture between [[Serco]] and [[Transport UK Group]].

The [[Northern line (Merseyrail)|Northern line]] and the [[Wirral line]] compose the electric third-rail part of the network, which has service frequencies of 15{{nbsp}}minutes in outlying areas converging to rapid transit frequencies in central sections. The lines are electrified throughout using a {{750 V DC|conductor=y}} system, with the exception of the [[Headbolt Lane railway station|Headbolt Lane]] line past [[Fazakerley railway station|Fazakerley]]. Trains on the Northern line and Wirral line cover the Liverpool City Region. The total route length of the two lines is {{convert|120.7|km|abbr=in}},<ref name="orr20222"/> accommodating 67 stations.<ref name="orr20222"/> The lines connect Liverpool city centre with cities and towns on the outer reaches of the city region, such as [[Southport]], [[Chester]] and [[Ormskirk]]. Frequent intermediate stops serve other sections of the urban area.

The [[City line (Merseytravel)|City line]], marked red on the map, is operated primarily by [[Northern Trains|Northern]] with funding from [[Merseytravel]]. The City line is mainly electrified with one branch, the Liverpool to Manchester line via Warrington, operated by diesel trains.<ref name="www.northernrail.org">{{cite web |title=Northern Rail Electric |url=http://www.northernrail.org/news/7623 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610075542/http://www.northernrail.org/news/7623 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |access-date=10 June 2015 |publisher=Northern Rail }}</ref><ref name="railengineer20121128">{{cite news|date=28 November 2012|title=Electrifying Liverpool-Manchester|work=The Rail Engineer|location=Ashby-de-la-Zouch|url=http://www.therailengineer.com/2012/11/28/electrifying-liverpool-manchester/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225104209/http://www.therailengineer.com/2012/11/28/electrifying-liverpool-manchester/|archive-date=25 December 2013}}</ref>

Unlike similar networks in the UK, Merseyrail infrastructure is owned and maintained at a national level by [[Network Rail]]. As a self-contained system serving a single City Region, the Northern and Wirral lines are exempt from the national rail franchising structure, which is instead the responsibility of local government. The City line, which shares infrastructure with regional and high-speed services and trains with neighbouring mainline commuter services (particularly that of [[Manchester]]), is not part of this exemption.
[[File:Merseyrail New Station Totem.jpg|alt=A station sign with a large British Rail logo, a large M with the text 'Metro' underneath, a Park and Ride indicator and the name 'Eastham Rake' underneath.|thumb|A revised Merseyrail totem at [[Eastham Rake railway station|Eastham Rake station]] with new 'Metro' branding, alongside a [[Park and ride|Park and Ride]] indication.]]
The three lines interchange as follows:
* Northern and City line services interchange at [[Liverpool South Parkway railway station|Liverpool South Parkway]] and [[Hunts Cross railway station|Hunts Cross]] in the south of the city.
* Wirral and City lines interchange at [[Liverpool Lime Street railway station|Lime Street]] in the city centre.
* Northern and Wirral lines interchange at [[Liverpool Central railway station|Liverpool Central]] and [[Moorfields railway station|Moorfields]] in the city centre.

===Northern line===
{{Main|Northern line (Merseyrail)}}

[[File:Merseyrail Northern Line Signage Logo.svg|border|frameless|220x220px]]

The Northern line is shown in blue on the Merseyrail<ref name="Merseyrail.org"/> and Merseytravel<ref name="merseytravel.gov.uk-2022">{{Cite web |date=March 2022 |title=Local Rail Network Map - Merseytravel |url=https://merseytravel.s3.amazonaws.com/Content/Bus/Route%20Maps/MerseyrailNetworkMap.pdf |access-date=31 December 2022 |website=merseytravel.gov.uk |archive-date=24 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224014250/https://merseytravel.s3.amazonaws.com/Content/Bus/Route%20Maps/MerseyrailNetworkMap.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> maps and denoted by the above wordmark on underground stations. Services operate on three main routes: from Hunts Cross in the south of Liverpool to {{stnlink|Southport}} via the ''Link'' tunnel from [[Brunswick railway station|Brunswick station]] through central Liverpool, from Liverpool Central to {{stnlnk|Ormskirk}}, and from Liverpool Central to Headbolt lane via Kirkby. Each route operates a train every 15{{nbsp}}minutes from Monday to Saturday, giving a frequent interval between trains on the central section. Some additional trains run at peak hours on the Southport line.

On matchdays at [[Everton F.C.]]'s [[Goodison Park]] and [[Liverpool F.C.]]'s [[Anfield]], Northern line services connect with the ''SoccerBus'' service at [[Sandhills railway station|Sandhills]] station to transport fans to the stadia. Bus departures are at frequent intervals from Sandhills station with ticketing to combine both modes of travel. [[Kirkdale railway station|Kirkdale]] station is within walking distance of Goodison Park.

Connections to non-Merseyrail services are available at:
* {{stnlnk|Southport}} to {{stnlnk|Wigan Wallgate}} and {{stnlink|Manchester Airport}};
* Liverpool South Parkway for services operated by [[London Northwestern Railway]], [[East Midlands Railway]], [[TransPennine Express]] and [[Northern (train operating company)|Northern]] serving {{stnlink|Birmingham New Street}}, {{stnlink|Manchester Oxford Road}}, {{stnlink|Blackpool North}} and various destinations within [[Yorkshire]] and the [[West Midlands (region)|West Midlands]];
* Hunts Cross to {{stnlnk|Warrington Central}} and {{stnlnk|Manchester Oxford Road}};
* Ormskirk to {{stnlnk|Preston}};
* {{stnlnk|Headbolt Lane}} to Blackburn via Wigan Wallgate and {{stnlnk|Manchester Victoria}}.<ref name="merseyrail_history">{{cite web|url=http://www.merseyrail.railsaver.co.uk/merseyrail.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908035143/http://www.merseyrail.railsaver.co.uk/merseyrail.htm |archive-date=8 September 2008 |title=Merseyrail Trains History |publisher=Merseyrail |access-date=20 July 2009 }}</ref>

===Wirral line===
{{Main|Wirral line}}

[[File:Merseyrail Wirral Line Signage Logo.svg|frameless|187x187px|border]]

The Wirral line is shown in green on the Merseyrail<ref name="Merseyrail.org" /> and Merseytravel<ref name="merseytravel.gov.uk-2022" /> maps and denoted by the above wordmark on underground stations. Services operate from the four terminus stations of: {{stnlnk|Chester}}, {{stnlnk|Ellesmere Port}}, {{stnlnk|New Brighton}} and {{stnlnk|West Kirby}}. Each service from one of these the terminus stations runs through {{stnlnk|Birkenhead Hamilton Square}} underground station in [[Birkenhead]], then through the Mersey Railway Tunnel, continuing around the single track underground loop tunnel under Liverpool's city centre. Trains head back into the Mersey Railway Tunnel to return to one of the four terminus stations.

Monday-Saturday services are every 15{{nbsp}}minutes to/from Liverpool to Chester, New Brighton and West Kirby, and every 30{{nbsp}}minutes to/from Ellesmere Port (Monday–Sunday). These combine to give a service at least every five minutes from Birkenhead Hamilton Square and around the loop under Liverpool's city centre.<ref name="merseyrail_history"/>

Connections to non-Merseyrail services are available at:
* {{stnlnk|Bidston}} on the West Kirby branch for the [[Borderlands line]] to [[Wrexham Central railway station|Wrexham]], operated by [[Transport for Wales Rail|Transport for Wales]];
* Chester to Crewe and London Euston, Wrexham and Shrewsbury, the North Wales Coast line to Llandudno and {{stnlnk|Holyhead}}, and to [[Manchester Piccadilly railway station|Manchester]] either via Warrington or via Northwich and Knutsford;
* {{stnlnk|Ellesmere Port}} for an infrequent service to and from [[Warrington Bank Quay railway station|Warrington]];<ref name="merseyrail_history"/>
* Liverpool Lime Street for intercity and regional trains to London Euston, Manchester, Birmingham, Wigan, Scotland, the Midlands and Wales.

===City line===
{{Main|City line (Merseytravel)}}

[[File:Merseyrail City Line Signage Logo.svg|frameless|border|214x214px]]
[[File:Thatto Heath railway station (geograph 3795543).jpg|right|thumb|Thatto Heath station is branded Merseyrail with trains operated by Northern.]]
The City line is the brand name used by Merseytravel on services out of the mainline platforms of Liverpool Lime Street railway station to 26 stations on its sponsored network, and cross-boundary destinations outside of the Liverpool City Region. Merseytravel has policies in place to improve the service frequency, new services and to invest on the City line. Despite the City line being operated by other train operators than Merseyrail, it is marketed and branded as ''Merseyrail'' to meet the [[passenger transport executive]]'s aims to provide the network with a local identity and shared fare and ticketing structures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2000 |title=Memorandum by Merseytravel (RI 30) |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200001/cmselect/cmenvtra/18/18ap44.htm |publisher=[[UK Parliament]] - [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] - Select Committee on Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs - Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence |quote=Northern, Wirral and City lines, despite the existence of different operators are marketed and branded as the Merseyrail network serving Merseyside with local identity, fares and ticketing structures reflecting the PTEs policies. |access-date=28 December 2023 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228190606/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200001/cmselect/cmenvtra/18/18ap44.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="LCR Strategic Rail Study">{{Cite web |date=October 2020 |title=Liverpool City Region Strategic Rail Study |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Liverpool-City-Region-Strategic-Rail-Study-2020.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224014250/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Liverpool-City-Region-Strategic-Rail-Study-2020.pdf |archive-date=24 December 2022 |access-date=31 December 2022 |website=networkrail.co.uk |publisher=[[Network Rail]] |quote=The 'City Lines', providing more frequent and longer-distance services from Liverpool Lime Street to the east.}}</ref><ref name="Rail Professional Merseyrail">{{Cite news |last=Nugent |first=Cherie |date=21 August 2018 |title=Merseyrail |url=https://www.railpro.co.uk/white-papers/merseyrail |access-date=31 December 2022 |work=Rail Professional |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231225550/https://www.railpro.co.uk/white-papers/merseyrail |url-status=live }}</ref> The line is depicted on signage and maps using the colour red and the above word mark.<ref name="Merseyrail.org" /><ref name="merseytravel.gov.uk-2022" />

Unlike the Northern and Wirral lines, the City line is not operated by the Serco-Transport UK Group joint venture.<ref name="merseytravel.gov.uk-2022"/><ref name="Merseyrail.org">{{Cite web |title=Merseyrail Network Map |url=https://www.merseyrail.org/_common/map/networkmap.htm |access-date=31 December 2022 |website=Merseyrail.org |publisher=Merseyrail |archive-date=24 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224014250/https://www.merseyrail.org/_common/map/networkmap.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The City line covers the Liverpool City Region sections of the [[Crewe–Liverpool line]], the two [[Liverpool–Manchester lines]], and the [[Liverpool–Wigan line]].<ref name="Rail Professional Merseyrail" /><ref name="merseytravel.gov.uk">{{Cite web |title=Timetables - Merseytravel |url=https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/timetables/#train |access-date=31 December 2022 |website=merseytravel.gov.uk |publisher=[[Merseytravel]] |archive-date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231143331/https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/timetables/#train |url-status=live }}</ref> Two services are not electrified, the Manchester via Warrington Central and Chester via Runcorn.

[[Northern Trains|Northern]] mainly operate the City line with additional services operated by [[TransPennine Express]], [[Avanti West Coast]], [[East Midlands Railway]], [[Transport for Wales Rail|Transport for Wales]], and [[West Midlands Trains]].<ref name="merseytravel.gov.uk-2022" /><ref name="merseytravel.gov.uk" />

==History==
{{main|History of Merseyrail}}
The ''History of Merseyrail'' dates back to the 19th century, with the original formation of the [[Mersey Railway]] and the [[Mersey Railway Tunnel]], among the first underground railway tunnels.<ref name="merseyrail_history"/> The modern Merseyrail network was developed in the 1970s from lines that were previously owned by several different railway companies. The [[Beeching axe]] during the early 1960s closed key routes in and around Liverpool, with the council proposing an alternate strategy and advocating the preservation of suburban services integrated into a new regional electrified rapid-transit network. The network underwent a period of electrification and expansion, becoming a single network in 1977, with a major project being the Loop and Link line, creating a continuous underground route through Liverpool city centre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Story of Merseyrail {{!}} Edge Hill Station |url=https://edgehillstation.co.uk/resources/the-story-of-merseyrail/ |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=edgehillstation.co.uk}}</ref>

Over the years, several new stations such as {{stnlink|Conway Park}} in 1998 and {{stnlnk|Maghull North}} in 2017 have been added to the network. Most recently in 2023, {{stnlnk|Headbolt Lane}} has opened and is served on the network by battery-electric trains.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-05 |title=UK's first battery-powered fleet hits the tracks |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-67011369 |access-date=2023-10-17}}</ref> Various proposals have been suggested on how to further expand the network, including beyond the Liverpool City Region area. [[Liverpool City Region Combined Authority]] announced in August 2019 that it was planning to use part of a £172{{nbsp}}million funding package to reopen [[Liverpool St James railway station|St James Station]] in Liverpool City Centre,<ref name="Echo Aug 19 Reopening">{{cite news |last1=Tyrrell |first1=Nick |date=30 August 2019 |title=Merseyside set to get two new train stations and replacement ferries |work=Liverpool Echo |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseyside-set-two-new-train-16838844 |access-date=31 August 2019}}</ref> officially confirmed as {{stnlnk|Liverpool Baltic}} station following a public vote in April 2022.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/name-revealed-new-baltic-triangle-23667859 | title = Name revealed for new Baltic Triangle train station | first1 = David | last1 = Humphreys | date  = 12 April 2022 | newspaper = Liverpool Echo | access-date = 12 April 2022}}</ref>

==Services==
{{update|the out-of-date service tables|date=September 2024}}
{{For|City line services|City line (Merseytravel)#Services}}
Point-to-point or return tickets are purchased from staffed offices or ticket machines, but the system is tightly integrated with Merseytravel's City Region-wide pass system, which also encompasses the [[Mersey Ferry|Mersey Ferries]] and city and regional bus networks. Merseytravel's smart ticketing is via the local [[Merseytravel#Ticketing|MetroCard]] [[Transit pass#United Kingdom|smartcard]] system, including Merseyrail travel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tickets-and-pricing/your-smartcard/|title=MetroCard and Walrus|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=11 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511030729/https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tickets-and-pricing/your-smartcard/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Typical weekday off-peak service on the Merseyrail-run Northern and Wirral lines, {{as of|2024|12|lc=yes}}, is as follows:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="3" | Northern line
|-
! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at
|-
|{{rws|Hunts Cross}} to {{rws|Ormskirk}} || 4 ||{{cslist|{{rws|Liverpool South Parkway}}, {{rws|Cressington}}, {{rws|Aigburth}}, {{rws|St Michaels}}, {{rws|Brunswick}}, {{rws|Liverpool Central}}, {{rws|Moorfields}}, {{rws|Sandhills}},{{rws|Kirkdale}}, {{rws|Walton|Merseyside}}, {{rws|Orrell Park}}, {{rws|Aintree}}, {{rws|Old Roan}}, {{rws|Maghull}}, {{rws|Maghull North}}, {{rws|Town Green}}, {{rws|Aughton Park}}}}
|-
|{{rws|Liverpool Central}} to {{rws|Southport}} || 4 || {{cslist|{{rws|Moorfields}}, {{rws|Sandhills}}, {{rws|Bank Hall}}, {{rws|Bootle Oriel Road}}, {{rws|Bootle New Strand}}, {{rws|Seaforth & Litherland}}, {{rws|Waterloo|Merseyside}}, {{rws|Blundellsands & Crosby}}, {{rws|Hall Road}}, {{rws|Hightown}}, {{rws|Formby}}, {{rws|Freshfield}}, {{rws|Ainsdale}}, {{rws|Hillside}}, {{rws|Birkdale}}}}
|-
| Liverpool Central to {{rws|Headbolt Lane}}|| 4 || {{cslist|Moorfields, Sandhills, Kirkdale, {{rws|Rice Lane}}, {{rws|Fazakerley}}, {{rws|Kirkby}}}}
|-
! colspan="3" | Wirral line
|-
! Route !! {{abbr|tph|trains per hour}} !! Calling at
|-
| Liverpool Central to {{rws|New Brighton}} || 4 || {{cslist|{{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} (Liverpool-bound only), {{rws|Moorfields}} (Liverpool-bound only), {{rws|Liverpool James Street}}, {{rws|Birkenhead Hamilton Square}}, {{rws|Conway Park}}, {{rws|Birkenhead Park}}, {{rws|Birkenhead North}}, {{rws|Wallasey Village}}, {{rws|Wallasey Grove Road}}}}
|-
| Liverpool Central to {{rws|West Kirby}} || 4 || {{cslist|{{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} (Liverpool-bound only), {{rws|Moorfields}} (Liverpool-bound only), Liverpool James Street, Birkenhead Hamilton Square, Conway Park, Birkenhead Park, Birkenhead North, {{rws|Bidston}}, {{rws|Leasowe}}, {{rws|Moreton|Merseyside}}, {{rws|Meols}}, {{rws|Manor Road}}, {{rws|Hoylake}}}}
|-
| Liverpool Central to {{rws|Chester}} || 4 || {{cslist|{{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} (Liverpool-bound only), {{rws|Moorfields}} (Liverpool-bound only), Liverpool James Street, Birkenhead Hamilton Square, {{rws|Birkenhead Central}}, {{rws|Green Lane}}, {{rws|Rock Ferry}}, {{rws|Bebington}}, {{rws|Port Sunlight}}, {{rws|Spital}}, {{rws|Bromborough Rake}}, {{rws|Bromborough}}, {{rws|Eastham Rake}}, {{rws|Hooton}}, {{rws|Capenhurst}} (2tph), {{rws|Bache}}}}
|-
| Liverpool Central to {{rws|Ellesmere Port}} || 2 || {{cslist|{{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} (Liverpool-bound only), {{rws|Moorfields}} (Liverpool-bound only), Liverpool James Street, Birkenhead Hamilton Square, Birkenhead Central, Green Lane, Rock Ferry, Bebington, Port Sunlight, Spital, Bromborough Rake, Bromborough, Eastham Rake, Hooton, {{rws|Little Sutton}}, {{rws|Overpool}}}}
|}

==Fleet==
{{more citations needed|section|date=December 2021}}

=== Class 777 ===
On 28 January 2020,  rolling-stock manufacturer [[Stadler Rail]] provided the first of a new fleet of 53 new train sets, designated {{brc|777}}, built at its factory in [[Bussnang]], Switzerland. The final units were due to enter service in 2021.<ref name="railwaygazette.com">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/merseyrail-class-777-arrives-in-liverpool/55686.article |title=Merseyrail Class 777 arrives in Liverpool | magazine = Railway Gazette International |access-date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=6 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106161431/https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/merseyrail-class-777-arrives-in-liverpool/55686.article |url-status=live }}</ref> The trains are based on the METRO platform, Stadler's product family for underground trains also used on the [[Berlin U-Bahn]], the [[Minsk Metro]] and the Tyne and Wear metro. The new trains are a custom-built, bespoke design specifically for the Merseyrail network, with driver only and guard capability.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=O'Dowd|first=Emily|magazine=Railway Gazette International|title=Stadler signs £700 million deal to replace the UK's oldest fleet on Liverpool's Merseytravel line |url=https://www.smartrailworld.com/stadler-signs-700-million-deal-to-replace-the-uks-oldest-fleet-on-liverpools-merseytravel-line|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012606/https://www.smartrailworld.com/rolling-stock/stadler-signs-700-million-deal-to-replace-the-uks-oldest-fleet-on-liverpools-merseytravel-line|archive-date=5 November 2018|access-date=4 November 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> This differs from the previous fleet, which was built to a standard British Rail design for commuter services.

The new trains have an articulated four-car design, compared to the previous three-car units, with a significantly increased overall capacity and faster acceleration and deceleration, which gives reduced journey times. A combination of reduced weight of 99{{nbsp}}tonnes, representing a 5.5{{nbsp}}tonne weight reduction, and more efficient electrical systems will give a 20% reduction in energy use.

The trains are flexible, being capable of operating on a combination of any of {{750 V DC|conductor=y}}, {{25 kV 50 Hz}} overhead wires, or full battery operation using a five-tonne battery, provided they have the correct equipment installed, giving operation beyond the current network.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stadler signs contract to build and maintain 52 METRO trains for Liverpool City Region |url=https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/media/article/stadler-signs-contract-build-and-maintain-52-metro-trains-liverpool-city-region/47/ |publisher=[[Stadler Rail]] |date=16 February 2017 |access-date=15 January 2019 |archive-date=15 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115075756/https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/media/article/stadler-signs-contract-build-and-maintain-52-metro-trains-liverpool-city-region/47/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2021|04}}, all trains are only equipped for {{750 V DC|conductor=y}} operation, along with a smaller battery for depot shunting.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/battery-trial-planned-for-new-emu-fleet.html |work= Railway Gazette|title=Battery trial planned for new EMU fleet |access-date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=6 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106161408/https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/battery-trial-planned-for-new-emu-fleet/46466.article |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers]] opposed driver-only operation on the new fleet, which they said would put passenger safety and security at risk.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/why-am-striking-train-guards-13716940|title='Why I am striking': Train guards write open letter to all passengers|date=4 October 2017|work=Liverpool Echo|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=6 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106161413/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/why-am-striking-train-guards-13716940|url-status=live}}</ref> Following a period of strike action, an agreement was reached to guarantee a guard on every train.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseyrail-strikes-suspended-union-hails-17095532|title=All Merseyrail strikes suspended as union hails 'major breakthrough' that could finally end dispute|work=Liverpool Echo|access-date=28 January 2020|archive-date=6 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106161409/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseyrail-strikes-suspended-union-hails-17095532|url-status=live}}</ref>

Merseytravel has an option for a further 60 Class 777 units as part of the contract, which if exercised would see a total of 113 trains built if services are extended to new destinations such as Helsby, Skelmersdale or Wrexham.<ref name="railwaygazette.com"/> The deal also involves the transfer of 155 of Merseyrail's maintenance workers and the operation of its maintenance depot at [[Kirkdale TMD|Kirkdale]] to Stadler Rail Service.<ref>{{cite news |title= Merseytravel and Stadler sign new fleet deal, but legal challenge remains |url= http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/merseytravel-and-stadler-sign-new-fleet-deal-but-legal-challenge-remains |work= Rail Technology Magazine |date= 16 February 2017 |access-date= 16 February 2017 |archive-date= 6 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210106161459/https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/merseytravel-and-stadler-sign-new-fleet-deal-but-legal-challenge-remains |url-status= live }}</ref> The transfer of Kirkdale depot and Merseyrail engineering personnel took place in October 2017, as construction work to modernise the depot, which is the planned maintenance hub for the Class 777s, commenced.<ref>{{cite news |title= Construction begins on Kirkdale depot to maintain new Merseyrail fleet |url= http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/construction-begins-on-kirkdale-depot-to-maintain-new-merseyrail-fleet |work= Rail Technology Magazine |date= 28 September 2017 |access-date= 25 December 2017 |archive-date= 6 January 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210106161407/https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/construction-begins-on-kirkdale-depot-to-maintain-new-merseyrail-fleet |url-status= live }}</ref>

The first Class 777 unit entered into service on the Northern line on 23 January 2023.<ref name = bbcdday >{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-64373081 | title = First new Merseyrail train joins network | newspaper = BBC News | date = 23 January 2023 | access-date = 23 January 2023 | archive-date = 23 January 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230123120450/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-64373081 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name = dday >{{cite news | url = https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/live-updates-first-new-merseyrail-26045701 | newspaper = Liverpool Echo | title = Live updates as first new Merseyrail train finally welcomes passengers | date = 23 January 2023 | access-date = 23 January 2023 | first1 = Ellen | last1 = Kirwin | first2 = Liam | last2 = Thorp | archive-date = 23 January 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230123085948/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/live-updates-first-new-merseyrail-26045701 | url-status = live }}</ref> Initially they were being used on the Kirkby route, followed by the Ormskirk route.<ref name = 777soon >{{cite news | url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/introduction-of-merseyrail-class-777-emus-just-days-away/63368.article | newspaper = Railway Gazette | title = Introduction of Merseyrail Class 777 EMUs 'just days away' | quote = "The Stadler EMUs will initially be used on the Kirkby line, followed by the Ormskirk line and then the Northern and Wirral lines later in the year." | date = 18 January 2023 | access-date = 19 January 2023 | url-access = registration | archive-date = 18 January 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230118172104/https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/introduction-of-merseyrail-class-777-emus-just-days-away/63368.article | url-status = live }}</ref> The trains were introduced to the Wirral line, Ormskirk, Southport and Hunts Cross routes in late 2023.<ref name = 777soon />

=== Class 777 battery trains ===
The Class 777 trains are capable of being propelled via onboard battery sets. The battery set per car can be up to 5{{nbsp}}tonnes in weight. The batteries can be charged via a rail terminal charger and while operating on electrified tracks.<ref name="railwaygazette.com"/> When the [[Headbolt Lane railway station|Headbolt Lane]] extension was unveiled to the public, it was also announced that the original order of 52 units was increased to 53 to allow for some units to undergo battery trials.<ref>{{Cite news|date=17 June 2021|title=Initial tests of battery-powered Stadler IPEMU for Merseyrail complete|url=https://www.railjournal.com/rolling-stock/initial-tests-of-battery-powered-stadler-ipemu-for-merseyrail-complete/|access-date=7 July 2021|work=International Railway Journal|language=en|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628010325/https://www.railjournal.com/rolling-stock/initial-tests-of-battery-powered-stadler-ipemu-for-merseyrail-complete/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following on from the trial, it was announced in July 2021 that the units tested had been able to travel up to {{convert|20|mi}} without the need for recharging. The battery-powered trains run to [[Headbolt Lane railway station|Headbolt Lane station]] in Kirkby.<ref name="LBN battery breakthrough">{{cite news |last=McDonough |first=Tony |date=15 July 2021 |title=Battery breakthrough will see Merseyrail network extended |url=https://lbndaily.co.uk/battery-breakthrough-will-see-merseyrail-network-extended |work=Liverpool Business News |access-date=15 July 2021 |archive-date=15 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715152846/https://lbndaily.co.uk/battery-breakthrough-will-see-merseyrail-network-extended/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The technology opens up the possibility of the trains serving routes to destinations such as Wrexham, Preston, Wigan and Warrington.

=== Current fleet ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! colspan="2" |Top speed
! rowspan="2" |Number
! rowspan="2" |Carriages
! rowspan="2" |Routes operated
! rowspan="2" |Built
! rowspan="2" |In service
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!&nbsp;mph&nbsp;
!&nbsp;km/h&nbsp;
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[British Rail Class 777|777]] [[Stadler Rail#Products|''METRO'']]
| rowspan="2" |[[File:777001 Chester.jpg|150x150px]]
| rowspan="2" | [[Electric multiple unit|EMU]]<br />[[Battery electric multiple unit|BEMU]]
| rowspan="2" |75
| rowspan="2" |120
| align="center" |53
| align="center" |4
|
* All Northern line services<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.railvolution.net/news/class-777-trains-roll-out-begins-on-southport-hunts-cross-line |title=Class 777 trains roll-out begins on Southport-Hunts Cross line |work=Railvolution |access-date=2 May 2024 |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502181235/https://www.railvolution.net/news/class-777-trains-roll-out-begins-on-southport-hunts-cross-line |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Timetables fully reinstated for Southport and Ormskirk lines on the Merseyrail Network |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/04/timetables-fully-reinstated-for-southport-and-ormskirk-lines-on-the-merseyrail-network.html |access-date=20 June 2023 |work=RailAdvent |archive-date=20 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620191400/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/04/timetables-fully-reinstated-for-southport-and-ormskirk-lines-on-the-merseyrail-network.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Claire |date=17 January 2023 |title=Merseyrail: New trains to enter network on Monday |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-64304865 |access-date=17 January 2023 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117142949/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-64304865 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* All Wirral Line services<ref name="Booth">{{Cite news |last=Booth |first=Janine |date=20 August 2023 |title=New trains on Merseyrail's Wirral lines from Monday |publisher=RailAdvent |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/08/new-trains-on-merseyrails-wirral-lines-from-monday.html |access-date=10 October 2023 |archive-date=16 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016000817/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/08/new-trains-on-merseyrails-wirral-lines-from-monday.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
| align="center" |2018{{ndash}}2021
| align="center" |2023–present
|-
| colspan="5" |[[File:Merseyrail Class 777 w-pantograph.png|603px]]
|}

===Past fleet===
[[File:Image-British-Rail-Class-503.jpg|thumb|right|A Class 503 train on the Loop (Wirral) line. This train was one of the original batch built by the LMS in 1938]]
The original service on the Merseyrail lines was provided by the [[British Rail Class 502|Class 502]] on the Northern line and [[British Rail Class 503|Class 503]] on the Wirral line. The former was withdrawn by 1980 and the latter by 1985.<!-- The majority of the Class 503s were progressively withdrawn from June 1984, with the final service train running on 29 March 1985. --><ref>{{cite book|last=Maund|first=T.B.|title=The Wirral Railway and its Predecessors|date=2009|publisher=Lightmoor Press|isbn=978-1-899-88938-9|location=Gloucestershire|pages=214|oclc=604772937}}</ref>

Introduced from 1978 and 1979 respectively were 33 Class 507 and 43 Class 508 trains. Since the 1990s, fifteen Class 508s have been withdrawn as surplus and have later transferred to other operators with 12 units being transferred to Connex South Eastern and 3 units being transferred to Silverlink, with three Class 507 and 508 units, including unit 507006 after a crash at Kirkby in March 2021,<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 September 2021 |title=RSS moves Merseyrail 507 unit to Newport for disposal |work=Rail UK |url=https://railuk.com/rail-news/rss-moves-merseyrail-507-unit-to-newport-for-disposal/ |access-date=2 February 2022 |archive-date=2 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202022013/https://railuk.com/rail-news/rss-moves-merseyrail-507-unit-to-newport-for-disposal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> written off following accidents. In 2023, further withdrawals of the trains began, having been replaced by Class 777s. In February 2024, the last of the [[British Rail Class 508|Class 508s]] were withdrawn followed by the last [[British Rail Class 507|Class 507]] trains in November.<ref name="RE334"/><ref name="Merseyside's Royal Train Departs">{{cite web |title=Merseyside's Royal Train Departs for Preservation |url=https://www.class507.org.uk/news/2025-01-02-merseyside-royal-train-preservation.php |website=Class 507 Preservation Society |access-date=2 January 2025 |date=4 January 2025}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! colspan="2" |Top speed
! rowspan="2" |Carriages
! rowspan="2" |Number
! rowspan="2" |Routes operated
! rowspan="2" |Built
! rowspan="2" |Withdrawn
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!&nbsp;mph&nbsp;
!&nbsp;km/h&nbsp;
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[British Rail Class 507|507]]
| rowspan="2" align="center" |[[File:507021 Bidston.jpg|150x150px]]
| align="center" |[[Electric multiple unit|EMU]]
| align="center" |75
| align="center" |120
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |33<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Butlin|first=Ashley|title=Multiple Units|magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]]|department=Stock Update|volume=171|issue=1487|date=February 2025|page=88}}</ref>
|
* All Northern line services
* All Wirral line services
| align="center" |1978–1980
| align="center" |2022–2024<ref name="Merseyside's Royal Train Departs"/><ref name="RE344">{{cite magazine|last=Russell|first=David|title=Class 507|department=Units|magazine=[[Rail Express]]|issue=344|date= January 2025|page=26}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="8" align="center" |[[File:Class 507 Merseyrail New Diagram.png|600px]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[British Rail Class 508|508]]
| rowspan="2" align="center" |[[File:Merseyrail Class 508, 508115, Birkenhead North railway station (geograph 4016726).jpg|150px]]
| align="center" |[[Electric multiple unit|EMU]]
| align="center" |75
| align="center" |120
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |27
|
* All Northern line services
* All Wirral line services
| align="center" |1979–1980
| align="center" |Completed 16 January 2024<ref name="RE334">{{cite magazine|last=Russell|first=David|title=Final Merseyrail Class 508 withdrawn|department=Units|magazine= [[Rail Express]] |issue=334|date=March 2024|page=22}}</ref>
|-
| colspan="8" align="center" |[[File:Class 507 Merseyrail New Diagram.png|600px]]
|}

==Depots==
[[File:DR98953 at James Street.jpg|alt=A blue and grey maintenance vehicle stands at James Street underground station|thumb|Modern departmental [[British Rail MPV|MPV]] at [[Liverpool James Street railway station|James Street]] – Unlike the [[London Underground]] and [[Tyne and Wear Metro]], Merseyrail's track maintenance is the responsibility of [[Network Rail]].]]
The electric fleet is maintained and stabled at [[Kirkdale TMD|Stadler's maintenance depot and United Kingdom headquarters]] at [[Kirkdale, Liverpool|Kirkdale]] and [[Birkenhead North TMD]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/stadler-rails-21m-depot-completes-in-kirkdale/ |title=Stadler Rail's £21m depot completes in Kirkdale |date=18 November 2019 |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=6 January 2021 | work = North West Place |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106161512/https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/stadler-rails-21m-depot-completes-in-kirkdale/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Minor repair work and train cleaning is undertaken at Kirkdale, while overhauls are completed at Birkenhead. The roles will be reversed once the Class 777 trains fully replace the existing fleet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2010/Route%20O%20-%20Merseyside.pdf |title=Route O - Merseyside |date=30 March 2010 |publisher=Network Rail |page=10 |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-date=1 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001084558/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2010/Route%20O%20-%20Merseyside.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other depots at [[Hall Road TMD|Hall Road]] and [[Birkenhead Central TMD|Birkenhead Central]] were closed in 1997, and the former was demolished in April 2009.<ref name="networkrail_09businessplan">{{cite web |url=http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2009/Route%2021%20-%20Merseyrail.pdf |title=Network Rail 2009 Strategic Business Plan - Merseyrail Route 21 |publisher=Network Rail |year=2009 |access-date=25 July 2009 |archive-date=7 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607112833/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/RoutePlans/2009/Route%2021%20-%20Merseyrail.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Birkenhead Central depot is proposed for reopening.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://moderngov.merseytravel.uk.net/documents/s21686/Enc.%201%20for%20Updated%20Long%20term%20Rail%20Strategy.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=moderngov.merseytravel.uk.net |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021632/http://moderngov.merseytravel.uk.net/documents/s21686/Enc.%201%20for%20Updated%20Long%20term%20Rail%20Strategy.pdf |archive-date=7 November 2017 }}</ref>

There are also two depots near Southport station: [[Southport Wall Sidings]] and [[Southport Carriage Holding Sidings]].

==Franchise and concession history==
As a result of the [[privatisation of British Rail]], the Northern and  Wirral lines were brought together as the Mersey Rail Electrics [[Passenger rail franchising in Great Britain|passenger franchise]], being sold on 19 January 1997. Although franchises are awarded and administered on a national level (initially through various independent bodies, and later the Department of Transport directly), under the original [[Railways Act 1993|privatisation legislation of 1993]], [[passenger transport executive]]s (PTEs) were co-signatories of franchise agreements covering their areas – this role being later modified by the [[Railways Act 2005]].<ref name=HOCBP_policy/>

The first [[train operating company]] awarded the Mersey Rail Electrics franchise contract was [[MTL (transport company)|MTL]]. MTL was originally the operating arm of Merseytravel but had been privatised in 1985. The brand name Merseyrail Electrics was adopted by MTL.

The Merseyrail name became the official brand for the network in the days of [[British Rail]], surviving several [[Rail franchising in Great Britain|franchise]] holders, although the name was not used by [[Arriva Trains Merseyside|Arriva]] when holding the franchise. Despite this, Merseytravel continued the Merseyrail branding at stations, allowing the name to be adopted colloquially. With acquisition by Arriva, the train operating company was rebranded [[Arriva Trains Merseyside]] from 27 April 2001. Merseyrail is referred to as "Merseyrail Electrics" by [[National Rail Enquiries]], and as "Serco/Abellio Merseyrail" by Merseytravel.

The City line was also privatised under the 1993 Act, but as part of a different, much larger North West Regional Railways (NWRR) franchise. Upon sale on 2 March 1997, the first train operating company awarded the NWRR franchise contract was [[First North Western|North Western Trains]] (owned by [[Great Western Holdings]]). The train operating company was later bought by [[FirstGroup]] and rebranded [[First North Western]].

The third-rail electric Northern and Wirral lines were largely isolated from the rest of the [[National Rail]] network with no through passenger services to or from outside the third-rail Merseyrail network. A decision was to transfer the network into exclusive Merseytravel control, being removed from the national franchising system. The Secretary of State exempted the two lines from being designated as a national railway franchise under the 1993 Act.<ref>{{Cite legislation UK |type=si |year=2002 |number=1946 |si=The Merseyrail Electrics Network Order 2002 |article=3 |date=18 July 2002|access-date=13 November 2024}}</ref>

When the Mersey Rail Electrics franchise was due for renewal, coming into force on 20 July 2003, Merseytravel contracted the operation of the two lines with a concession extending for up to 25{{nbsp}}years. The first successful bidder was Merseyrail Electrics (2002) Ltd, a joint venture between [[Serco-Abellio|Serco and NedRailways (renamed Abellio in 2009)]].<ref name=HOCBP_policy>House of Common Briefing Paper SN6521 ''Railways: franchising policy'', 30 September 2015, Louise Butcher</ref>

The City line, which was largely diesel-operated at the time, was not included in 2003 franchise, continuing as a part of the nationally administered rail franchise system. From 11 December 2004, the NWRR franchise was merged into a new Northern franchise. The first train operating company awarded this franchise contract was [[Northern Rail (Serco-Abellio)|Northern Rail]], also owned by a Serco-NedRail (Abellio) joint venture. This franchise passed to [[Arriva Rail North]] on 1 April 2016 and then to [[Northern Trains]] on 1 March 2020.

Due to the isolation of the Northern and Wirral lines, Merseyrail Electrics (2002) Ltd are keen to adopt vertical integration – taking responsibility for maintenance of the track from [[Network Rail]].

==Performance==
{{Update section|date=January 2022|reason=Claims made on sources over 10 years old}}
Operating as a self-contained network means there are relatively few problems because there is little conflict with other [[Train operating company|train operating companies]]. Merseyrail has publicly committed to aiming to be the best train operating company in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/04/we-have-taken-the-misery-out-of-merseyrail-100252-20199088/ |title=We have taken the 'misery' out of Merseyrail |work=Liverpool Echo |author=Hodgson, Neil |date=4 December 2007 |access-date=8 June 2008 |archive-date=2 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202150241/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/04/we-have-taken-the-misery-out-of-merseyrail-100252-20199088/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/14/merseyrail-trains-in-first-place-100252-20249726/ |title= Merseyrail trains in first place |work= Liverpool Echo |date= 14 December 2007 |author= Hodgson, Neil |access-date= 8 June 2008 |archive-date= 6 July 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080706033011/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/14/merseyrail-trains-in-first-place-100252-20249726/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

In February 2010, Merseyrail was named the most reliable operator of trains in the United Kingdom, with a reliability average of 96.33% during 2009–2010, the highest ever achieved by any United Kingdom train operator.<ref name="most_reliable_operator">{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/02/11/merseyrail-trains-are-most-reliable-in-the-uk-100252-25809983/ |title=Merseyrail trains are most reliable in the UK |work=Liverpool Echo |date=11 February 2010 |author=Weston, Alan |access-date=22 March 2010 |archive-date=12 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012204512/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2010/02/11/merseyrail-trains-are-most-reliable-in-the-uk-100252-25809983/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2023, Merseyrail was audited by the UK Government Office of Road & Rail; it found poor performance with 26.2% of trains being delayed by 4 or more minutes and a cancellation rate of 2.2%, an increase of 1.1% on the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/2242/merseyrail-key-statistics-2022-23.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=12 November 2023 |archive-date=12 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112163326/https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/media/2242/merseyrail-key-statistics-2022-23.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Enforcement of by-laws==
Merseyrail employs a team of officers who enforce railway by-laws relating to placing feet on seats, travelling without tickets, and other kinds of anti-social behaviour. Merseyrail [[Private prosecution|privately prosecutes]] individuals they claim are in breach of the by-laws via the [[single justice procedure]].<ref>{{cite web|date=1 November 2022|title=Merseyrail to manage fines using the Single Justice Procedure|publisher=HM Courts & Tribunals Service|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/merseyrail-to-manage-fines-using-the-single-justice-procedure|access-date=23 March 2024|archive-date=23 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323190523/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/merseyrail-to-manage-fines-using-the-single-justice-procedure|url-status=live}}</ref>

The enforcement of the 'feet on seat' by-law by Merseyrail was judged to be "draconian" in September 2007 by local magistrates.<ref>{{cite news|author=Neild, Larry|date=5 September 2007|title=Merseyrail takes 840 to court over feet on seats|work=Liverpool Daily Post|url=http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=merseyrail-takes-840-to-court-over-feet-on-seats&method=full&objectid=19736926&siteid=50061-name_page.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306005746/http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=merseyrail-takes-840-to-court-over-feet-on-seats&method=full&objectid=19736926&siteid=50061-name_page.html|archive-date=6 March 2012}}</ref> However, Merseyrail stated that it did not want to take offenders to court, but was not allowed to fine offenders otherwise (unlike people who smoke on trains or station platforms).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/09/11/is-merseyrail-s-feet-on-seats-policy-too-harsh-64375-19770475/ |title=Is Merseyrail's feet on seats policy too harsh? |work=Liverpool Daily Post |author=Neild, Larry |date=11 September 2007 |access-date=8 July 2008 |archive-date=17 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517101008/http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/09/11/is-merseyrail-s-feet-on-seats-policy-too-harsh-64375-19770475/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Merseyrail claimed its stance was based on customer feedback and would reduce anti-social behaviour on the system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merseyrail.org/news/|title=Merseyrail - News and Events|publisher = Merseyrail | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080418010907/http://www.merseyrail.org:80/news/index.php?results_start=5&page_number=2&sGUID=76cf14c715093be6900cbb2de0d37b9f&letter= | archive-date = 18 April 2008}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
On 26 October 2005, a Merseyrail [[British Rail Class 508|Class 508]] train de-railed in a tunnel on the approach to [[Liverpool Central railway station|Liverpool Central underground station]]. All 119 passengers and train crew were evacuated safely; only the guard was injured. The cause was determined to be rail gauge spread caused by poor maintenance.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c9072ed915d4c100001a1/R142006_060811_Liverpool_Central.pdf | title = Derailment near Liverpool Central underground station 26 October 2005 | publisher = [[Rail Accident Investigation Branch]] | date = August 2006 | access-date = 13 February 2022 | archive-date = 28 February 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220228182325/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/547c9072ed915d4c100001a1/R142006_060811_Liverpool_Central.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref>

On 11 January 2007, a train ran through a [[buffer stop]] at {{rws|West Kirby}}. Two people were injured.<ref name=BBC6252449>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6252449.stm |title=Driver hurt as train hits buffers |work=BBC News |date=11 January 2007 |access-date=14 February 2022 |archive-date=18 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070118160135/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6252449.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 30 June 2009, a train ran away at {{rws|Kirkdale}}, running through a buffer stop and colliding with a wall. A passenger train had passed the site of the accident less than 5 seconds earlier. Merseyrail was fined £85,000 plus costs of £20,970.15 for offences under the [[Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974]].<ref name=ORRKirkdale>{{cite web |url=https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/ORR_Kirkdale2009.pdf |title=Merseyrail operator fined £85,000 for runaway train incident |publisher=Railways Archive |author=Office of Rail and Road |date=29 May 2011 |access-date=14 February 2022 |archive-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213200504/https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/ORR_Kirkdale2009.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 October 2011, an intoxicated teenage girl died after falling between the train and platform at [[James Street station]]. The train guard, Christopher McGee, was subsequently convicted of her manslaughter by gross negligence and was jailed for five years.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-20516617 | title = Merseyrail must cut platform gaps after Georgia Varley death | date = 27 November 2012 | newspaper = BBC News | access-date = 13 February 2022 | archive-date = 13 February 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220213132044/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-20516617 | url-status = live }}</ref>

{{Main|Kirkby train crash}}
On 13 March 2021, a Merseyrail [[British Rail Class 507|Class 507]] train collided with the buffer stop at {{rws|Kirkby}} station. The cause was found to be that the driver of the train was using a mobile phone whilst driving. The distraction led him to enter the station at nearly three times the permitted speed. He was sacked and prosecuted, pleading guilty in February 2022 to a charge of endangering the safety of people on the railway.<ref name=BTP>{{cite web |url=https://www.btp.police.uk/news/btp/news/in-the-courts/train-driver-convicted-after-crashing-train-at-nearly-three-times-speed-limit---merseyside/ |title=Train driver convicted after crashing train at nearly three times speed limit - Merseyside |publisher=British Transport Police |date=9 February 2022 |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=11 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211220622/https://www.btp.police.uk/news/btp/news/in-the-courts/train-driver-convicted-after-crashing-train-at-nearly-three-times-speed-limit---merseyside/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of underground stations of the Merseyrail network]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{notelist}}
{{reflist|2}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|title=Merseyrail Electric|first=Martyn|last=Hilbert|publisher=Fonthill Media|year=2016|isbn=978-1-78155-513-2}}
* {{cite book|title=Merseyrail Electrics: The Inside Story|first=T.B.|last=Maund|publisher=NBC Books|year=2001|asin=B0047EA3HU|asin-tld=co.uk|oclc=655126526}}
* {{cite book|title=The Story of Merseyrail|author=Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive|publisher=Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive|year=1978|asin=B000MAYEK0|asin-tld=co.uk|oclc=8740619}}
* {{cite magazine|title=The Mersey beat|first=David|last=Rapson|pages=26–31|date=August 1983|magazine=[[RAIL (magazine)|Rail Enthusiast]]|publisher=EMAP National Publications|issn=0262-561X|oclc=49957965}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}

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{{s-bef|before=[[Arriva Trains Merseyside]]}}
{{s-ttl|rows=1|title=Operator of Merseyrail franchise
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{{UK TOCs|current|state=collapsed}}
{{Britishmetros}}
{{Abellio}}
{{Railway stations served by Merseyrail}}

[[Category:British Rail brands]]
[[Category:Regional rail in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Electric railways in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:750 V DC railway electrification]]
[[Category:Nederlandse Spoorwegen]]
[[Category:Railway companies established in 2003]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Merseyside]]
[[Category:Train operating companies in the United Kingdom]]
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