MERSEYSIDE could soon have trains to take the region “into the future” if plans for a £400m new fleet are approved.

So-called “future-proof” trains could be on the Merseyrail network by the early 2020s as Merseytravel takes forward its plans to replace the existing trains.

The transport body considers new trains as the best option in meeting growing demand on the network and supporting the city region’s economic ambitions, while also presenting the best value for the public purse.

It follows the development of a detailed business case over many months which looked at all options from refurbished stock to new stock now or in the future.

The current fleet is approaching 40-years-old and is among the oldest in the UK.

While the trains are still in good working order, Merseytravel chiefs say now is the right time to move forward with the plans.

Worth around £400m, the programme – which also includes significant investment in infrastructure such as depots and power supplies – would be funded at no additional cost the local tax payer, making use of finances already set aside.

Train fares will also be unaffected by the scheme.

Merseytravel’s chief executive David Brown said: “Doing nothing is not an option. The fleet is among the oldest in the UK and we want to ensure that we’re geared up to maintain the high standards people have come to expect from Merseyrail, as well as ensuring the fleet can cope with a significant increase in passenger numbers.

“This is not just about new trains, but what they will enable us to do. They will help us improve our links within and beyond the city region, supporting our own ambitions and those of the wider ‘Northern Powerhouse’ agenda, as well as benefiting us in very real economic terms, stimulating the creation of jobs and contributing millions of pounds every year to the Liverpool City Region economy.”

Faster journey times and increased capacity could provide a significant boost to the area, worth an estimated £70m a year and would create around 1,000 jobs.

Merseytravel bosses say there will be no compulsory redundancies as part of the plans, although some staff will see their roles “re-defined” as maintenance procedures are replaced by newer, more computer-based technology.

Discussions are ongoing with staff and key stakeholders.

A new set of trains from the early 2020s could carry significantly more passengers and run on a potentially extended network.

It is hoped that the trains will allow Merseytravel to explore the Bidston to Wrexham network in greater detail, with long-term ambitions to also reach Skelmersdale, Warrington and Crewe.

More immediately, it would build on the current high levels of performance and customer satisfaction, which Merseytravel said is proving increasing challenging and costly as the existing fleet ages.

A further 40% increase in passenger numbers is expected by 2028, with some parts of the Merseyrail network predicted to be way over capacity by 2043.

Facilities including improved CCTV, air conditioning and more seating are expected to be part of the plans.

The Merseytravel Committee will take a decision on whether to approve the commencement of the procurement process for new trains when it meets on October 1.

If agreed, bidders will be invited to submit their plans. It is expected a preferred bidder would be identified in around 12 months time, with city region leaders then asked to approve the project going ahead.