The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), Merseytravel, Angel Trains Ltd. and Arriva Trains Merseyside have signed a deal to refurbish the rolling stock for Merseyrail Electrics services. The deal will deliver £32m of private sector investment in the railways in the North West. Passenger benefits include refurbished interiors and performance boosts from engineering modifications.
The refurbishment, to be carried out by Alstom and Rail Door Solutions, begins immediately - with the first refurbished unit in service in Spring 2003. The programme of improvements will be complete by late 2004.
Nick Newton, the SRA's Chief Operating Officer, said:
"The deal is the result of cross-industry working from Merseytravel, the SRA, Angel and Arriva and is based on clear aims and sound common sense. Private sector investment is important and will deliver real benefits for Merseyside passengers."
Chair of Merseytravel, Mark Dowd, described the deal as a landmark for Merseyside's public transport system:
"This deal means a real improvement in the levels of comfort and reliability that passengers can expect, and demand, on local train services." He added: "We need to see a sea change in local transport and this is what we are striving for. We can assure the public we are doing everything we can to achieve a better railway. We are extremely grateful to the Minister for Transport John Spellar for his enlightened attitude to public transport and in particular on Merseyside."
