Stadler to supply DOO Merseyrail fleet

摘要

Stadler has been selected as preferred bidder to supply the new Merseyrail 750 V DC EMU fleet, due to enter service by the end of 2020. The £460m project involves the supply of 52 four-car articulated trainsets and a major upgrade of depot facilities, due to transfer to Stadler in mid-2017. Kirkdale is to replace Birkenhead North as the principal maintenance facility. With 48 daily diagrams plus two standby sets required, bidders were asked to propose the requisite fleet size. The three final bidders all proposed a fleet size of 52, matching Merseytravel's own evaluation. Stadler is to supply an aluminium-bodied articulated unit riding on three powered inside-frame bogies. Train weight is under 100 tonnes, less than the Class 507 and 508 EMUs built in 1978-80 that they will replace.