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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Liam Thorp

New Merseyrail trains had to be withdrawn from service

All the new Merseyrail trains running on the network had to be removed from service for a number of days.

The ECHO understands that all the new Class 777 trains rolled out so far on the network were taken out of service for a number of days because of a software issue.

The new trains - which so far are only running on the Kirkby line - are now back in operation on the network following work to upgrade the software.

READ MORE: Three arrested after police walk in on armed robbery

Merseyrail insist the problem has not interfered with the roll-out of the new trains, which will reach a key milestone on Monday when the Kirkby line is fully stocked with Class 777s. Work will then begin to prepare the Ormskirk line for the arrival of the new fleet.

Responding to questions over the software issue, Suzanne Grant, commercial director at Merseyrail said: "The phased introduction of the new trains onto the Merseyrail network is progressing well. As with any new train entering service for the first time it’s not unusual to have to make some adjustments.

"Following a software upgrade the 777s are now back in service and the roll out continues as planned."

With the Kirkby line roll-out now complete, attention will switch to the Ormskirk line, which will be the next part of the Merseyrail network to receive the new trains. This will however mean temporary changes to timetables on the Ormskirk, Southport and Hunts Cross lines.

From Monday March 6, there will be minor changes to support driver training. These changes are as follows;

Ormskirk line: On Monday-Friday, three trains from Ormskirk to Liverpool Central will be cancelled (09:34, 11:04, 15:04). Two trains from Liverpool Central to Ormskirk will be cancelled (10:16 and 14:16).

The 11:46 and 15:46 trains from Liverpool Central to Ormskirk will start at Walton rather than Liverpool Central.

On Saturdays, four trains from Liverpool Central to Ormskirk will be cancelled (08:01, 09:31, 12:01, 13:31), and four trains from Ormskirk to Liverpool Central will be cancelled (08:49, 10:19, 12:49, 14:19).

Also on Saturdays, the 11:01 and 15:01 Liverpool Central to Ormskirk services will start at Walton rather than Liverpool Central. There are no cancellations on Sundays.

Southport line: On Monday-Friday, three trains from Hunts Cross to Southport will be cancelled (12:51, 15:21, 19:06). Three trains from Southport to Hunts Cross will be cancelled (14:13 17:58 20:28). There are no cancellations on the Southport line on Saturdays or Sundays.

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