Transport campaigner, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, tries the new Liverpool City Region 777 trains
Our regions’ new £500m hi-tech trains fleet project has won ‘Accessibility Achievement of the Year’ at this years National Railway Award, beating off competition from the likes of Network Rail, Northern Rail and Transport for London.
The new fleet of Class 777 trains, which entered service in January 2023, were designed with help from disabled passengers, advocacy groups and accessibility experts to ensure they met the needs of all rail passengers.
The win comes after the Class 777s’ received the seal of approval from British Paralympic legend Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who thanked Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Merseyrail for showing ‘what can be done’ to make rail travel fully accessible.
The multiple gold medallist tried out the new trains after hosting the recent Liverpool City Region For All Forum at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, which brought together disability experts, stakeholders and businesses to explore best practice for improving accessibility within the visitor economy.
On her experience, Baroness Grey-Thompson said:
“Level boarding is amazing and the information on the train is really helpful. It shows me the accessible stations and where the toilets are. I got on the train, and I got off the train. I can just go and live my life. So, to Merseyrail and Liverpool City Region: thank you – it shows it can be done.”
Tony Killen, Rail Development Advisor and panellist at the forum said:
“I was particularly pleased to meet Tanni and get the opportunity to show her our new Class 777 trains. My overall takeaway from the event was to make me realise how the projects we are delivering on our network are truly transformative, giving people independence and the opportunity to travel as and when they want. It’s inspired me to do more to make our network accessible for all.”