| abstract | - The Northern and Wirral Lines together have 67 stations and 75 miles of route, of which 6.5 miles are underground. Carrying over 100,000 passengers each day, they form one of the most heavily used railway networks in the UK outside London. Separate rail lines were physically integrated into one network in 1977 with the construction of new tunnels under Liverpool City Centre and Birkenhead, connecting previously separate routes. This created a large, comprehensive urban railway network. Although financial constraints have prevented some of the 1970s plans for the network being realised, the network has been extended, with additional extensions proposed. The core of Merseyrail incorporates the original Mersey Railway, which was opened in 1886, giving Merseyrail the distinction of being the second oldest underground urban railway in the world and the first with lift access to its stations. The Merseyrail name became the official brand for the network in the days of British Rail, surviving several franchise holders, although the name was not used by Arriva when holding the franchise. Despite this, Merseytravel continued the Merseyrail branding at stations, allowing the name to be adopted colloquially. Merseyrail is referred to as "Merseyrail Electrics" by National Rail Enquiries, and as "Serco/Abellio Merseyrail" by Merseytravel.
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