The performance of the new trains was “tremendously damaging”
Merseyrail had to “get good quickly” at managing passenger disruption in a turbulent first 12 months for its new trains.
Back in 2016, a deal was first struck that would see the Liverpool City Region purchase the fleet of new vehicles from the Swiss-based firm. As well as the fleet of new high-spec trains, the historic deal would include upgrades to the network's power supply, platforms and track and the refurbishment of the depots at Kirkdale and Birkenhead North.
Mr Rotheram said: “I too appreciate the ups and downs” and said he gets “just as frustrated by poor performance” but it’s “normal to have teething problems in the first 12 months.” Speaking on behalf of the manufacturer, Mr Hämmerle said Stadler was “honoured” to take on building of the trains for the city region and would not stop until it had delivered the “premium product.” The executive admitted there had been a “dip in performance” and the company had held intensive meetings with stakeholders including the Metro Mayor.
The managing director said the services are making “slow and steady” progress but isn’t where he expects it to be yet. This included the near 5% cancellation rates in December which he said was “not acceptable” and aimed for below 2%.
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