THERE will be a chance to a step aboard full-size replicas of Merseyrail's new trains from tomorrow.

Realistic mock-ups of carriages will be on public view at Pacific Road in Woodside until October 14 and Liverpool Lime Street Station from November 5-18.

Visitors will be able to walk along the open and spacious aisles, try the new wider seats and even take a look at the state-of-the-art technology inside the driver’s cab.

Staff will be on hand to talk through the features of the new trains, designed and built by Swiss company Stadler, that will come into service in 2020.

These features – chosen with the input and guidance of Liverpool City Region residents and rail network users – include phone charging points, air-conditioning and bike racks.

The mock-up train will be open at Pacific Road from Monday to Sunday, 8am to 5.30pm, and Tuesday from 8am to 7.30pm until October 14.

It will be on view at Liverpool Lime Street from 7am to 6.30pm, Monday to Sunday from November 5-18.

Andy Heath, managing director of Merseyrail said: "The mock-up is a very realistic replica of what passengers can expect from the new state-of-the-art trains.

"I would encourage the public and all of our passengers to visit the mock-up so they can really appreciate the sense of space, new features and modern look and feel that we can all look forward to enjoying from 2020."

Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor said: "Before the new trains were designed and ordered, we asked the public what features they would like to see on them. We listened – and because of this – by 2020 we will see the most sophisticated trains in the country arrive on our network.

"They will be more accessible, equipped with 21st century necessities such as phone charging points and air conditioning, and most importantly they will give our economy an annual boost worth tens of millions of pounds."

Cllr Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said: "As the Combined Authority and Merseytravel will be buying the new trains directly, they’re going to be owned by the people of the Liverpool City Region - so it's brilliant to be able to invite everyone along to see and experience what will be their new trains.

"And the term 'mock-up' really doesn't do the carriage justice – the carriage is so realistic, you'll be expecting it to start moving off the moment you get on board."

More information can be found at www.merseytravel.gov.uk/newtrains